Is Jesus the Only Way?

October 10, 2022 following Pastor Damon Hopkins sermon of October 9, 2022.
 
This Sunday we were honored to have Pastor Damon preach while Pastor Alex was away with his family. For twenty plus years, Pastor Damon has faithfully served in ministry. In 2002 he was ordained as an ABC Baptist pastor but has also served in the Salvation Army and Foursquare church. It is evident that God has had a mighty hand upon him, and the result is joy, pure joy at talking about his Lord and Savior Jesus.

The topic of his messages was in answer to the question, Is Jesus the Only Way? Damon pointed us to a chart comparing Christianity to other world religions. The main point being that all the other world religions are based on works. The person who believes in ______ has to earn their way to heaven by doing good works, being a good person, etc. Damon pointed out more than once that Jesus has done all the work. It is through belief in Christ’s work on the cross and resurrection from the dead that we are purified, cleansed, and made righteous “right” before God. When God looks down upon me, He sees the blood of Jesus covering me completely. My sins, imperfections both past, present, and future are covered by Jesus’ blood shed for me on the cross. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS BELIEVE IN JESUS. Consider this quote by famous theologian A.W Tozer on the text of John 14:6.

I am disturbed when I hear people say, ‘there are many ways to God.’  Jesus spoke plainly that HE was the only way to come into right relationship with God. He is the only one who can make us clean before God. He is the only one who can reconcile us to God and eliminate our sin.
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Sin is what separates us from God since Adam and Eve brought sin into the world and changed our very natures. We are born with a sin nature- a bent towards sinning. There is no way for man to ‘make himself or herself’ acceptable to God. We cannot be good enough, do enough good works, keep ourselves from having impure thoughts, or just trying to be good. We cannot do it! Only God! According to the scriptures, God’s plan to save humankind is by providing a Savior who will take our burdens, sins, and punishments upon them. Jesus is the only way!

Jesus had gathered his disciples in the upper room for a final session of teaching before his death. He assured them that He was going to prepare a place for them and that they would one day be with him there. Thomas, the doubter, asked “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” in John 14:5.  Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except though me.”   This promise of Jesus gives us hope and assurance. Here are several lessons and truths we can glean from this verse alone.

1. Jesus is the only way to come into a relationship with God. Jesus says plainly it is through him and him alone that we can know and see the Father. Because we know Him, we can know the truths about our Father in heaven.

2. Through Jesus we can have a life that is full and eternal. In Him we can have abundant life that is filled with hope and assurance.                     

3. Jesus reveals the truth that is God and about God. Knowing Jesus leads us to see truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Knowing truth in Jesus brings us to God.

So, what is keeping you from trusting Jesus? Are you having doubts about the exclusivity of Jesus and His way?

Look at John 3:16, it shows why God sent Jesus—it was because He loved us and desired us to be with Him eternally. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to humankind by which we must be saved.”   Paul states it plainly too that Jesus is the only way to salvation.

Titus 2:11-14 “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

Just as Jesus assured the disciples, through Him we can know the way to heaven, to an abundant life and greater knowledge of God. Claim it! Live it with Jesus today!

​Linda

SERMON LINK
Why? God... | Is Jesus The Only Way?
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Sermon series, "Why? God...." Today Damon Hopkins teaches from John 14:1-7

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