Today I’m writing the conclusion of a 3 part series, "One Way to Heaven". Over the years we’ve all heard and used various sayings like, "there’s more than one way to skin a cat" or "where there’s a will, there’s a way". It is human nature to try to find a new, different or better way to do something or go somewhere. After going to China in March and experiencing their infamous "squat pot", I’m so thankful someone invented the "western toilet"! After fumbling miserably with chopsticks, I’m also deeply grateful for the spoon and fork! There is more than one way to do certain things, and some ways are better than others!

The same applies to going somewhere. Since living in Grinnell, I’ve found there is more than one way to get to Pella. I’ve personally tried about 6 different routes, and they all work, but some are better than others! In my opinion, the best route has not yet been built!

However, when it comes to reaching Heaven, the Bible teaches there is only one way. There are no alternate routes, detours or shortcuts. In his endless imagination, mankind has come up with countless religions, myriads of gods and many different paths to God or paradise. But Jesus made it clear in John 10:1, that "he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber". No matter how sincere or well-intentioned (and some involved in man-made religion are neither), God will not allow anyone into Heaven who does not come by faith through the Door, Jesus Christ.

I mentioned earlier our trip to China a few weeks ago. My wife and I had planned, purchased our tickets, packed carefully and made it to the airport in plenty of time. As we stepped up to check our things, the clerk reviewed our tickets and passports, then she said, "and where are your visas?" Our hearts sank. As inexperienced travelers, we didn’t realize a visa was required to enter China. We had flown previously to other countries where only a passport was required. I won’t go into the details, but we spent an extra day in Chicago jumping through the required hoops and paying the handsome fees to get two Chinese visas in less than 24 hours. We did it because we had no choice. No matter how prepared we thought we were, or how sincere or well-intentioned we were, the Chinese government would not make an exception for us. Without a visa, we would not have gained entrance into China, but would have remained grounded in Chicago. It was their way or no way!

Dear Friend, regardless of how sincere one might be, there is only one way to Heaven. God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to pay the price for our sins and He offers salvation as a free gift to everyone. But we must all come to God on His terms by His prescribed way. It’s a tragic mistake to try to come up with alternate routes. Scripture clearly presents Jesus as the only Savior (Matthew 1:21, John 3:16), the only Way (Matthew 7: 13-14, John 14:6), the only Door (John 10:7-10), the only Name (Acts 4:12), the only Mediator (I Timothy 2:5). Oh, if only people would stop ignoring the truth, rebelling against God’s provision, or devising other means of salvation. Indeed, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation"?

Dear friend, will you humbly receive the risen Christ by faith today? And if you already belong to Him, share Him with others while the door of grace is open.