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Aug 01, 2024 06:00am

One Way

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It’s part of our nature to believe there must be another way.

Call it self-determination, will power or whatever you like, when someone says there’s no other way, we always reply with “where there is a will there’s a way.”

Look at prisoners who attempt escape from jail. They are told there is only one way in and one way out, yet they are determined to defy the odds and try to escape. One of the most secure prisons ever constructed was Alcatraz. Even if a prisoner did get out, they were on an island surrounded by frigid waters.

Or even something less criminal – just driving to a new destination. You give the route to your husband and what does he do? He wants to find a short cut. Surely, there must be another way. We won’t bring up the fact that oftentimes those shortcuts come with lots of potholes, a bridge closed, lack of signs or even being later than planned because you’re lost.

One last example – the instructions that came with your latest purchase. Who needs those? “They” say this is the way? Ha! I’ll do it my own way and manage just fine. Never mind these leftover pieces. Who needs those anyway?

See? We always think there is another way.

It’s no different when we talk about spiritual things either. Many are convinced there are multiple ways to heaven, that all spiritual paths lead there. The idea that there is only one way not only baffles them, but it infuriates them, and for many they are determined to try to prove otherwise.

But there is no mistaking this truth.

Acts 4:7-12

“They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!
9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,
10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” NIV

The Sanhedrin – this was like the Supreme Court during these days led by the High Priest. John and Peter had been arrested the day before after healing a lame man and then preaching to the crowd. The religious leaders saw what had happened, and most importantly, they saw the response of the crowd. 5,000 people believed that day and decided to follow Jesus.

It infuriated these men.

The next day, they questioned Peter and John and through the power of the Holy Spirit, God spoke those very words to the men who were supposed to be representing Him.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

One way.

That’s it.

No other name, no other option, no other door, no other way.

Only one.

And His name is Jesus.

To this day, many still want to believe there must be another way to heaven. False religions have been constructed that teach there are multiple ways to heaven, that you can do enough good deeds or works to get there, or you can earn your way up the ladder by the amount of money you donate.

Make no mistake – your eternity depends on this one thing.

Will you believe what Peter said? Will you believe what Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ?

There is only one way.

Jesus.

Want to learn more about Him and what it means to be His follower? Go to follow.lifeword.org to learn more. And join me at 7pm central for FOLLOW:Conversations at https://www.facebook.com/lifeword.