This post was originally published on this site
https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!41ZT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4741adf2-ed9c-42b5-8cf7-fe5ab89eec38_1280x1467.webp
John 14:6 (NIV) ‘Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The above scripture does not leave room for debate as to whether there are other means to get to God the Father. Jesus did not speak in a parable. He spoke plainly. We may think that it is too strict a policy for God to hold. However, if there was another way to be reconciled to the Father, there would have been no reason for Jesus to die on the cross. Jesus could have taught us of the other ways or paths to reconciliation. He could have mentioned Buddha, Mohammed, various idols as equal paths to God the Father. In fact, He would not have had to suffer the cruel death of the cross.
We find in the story of Noah, that God made only one way for the people of Noah’s time to be saved. The only way for anyone to be saved was to be entered into the Ark. Those outside the Ark during the flood had no chance of survival as the waters rose so high. If God provided only one way while He meted out His judgment during Noah’s time, why do we have a hard time believing that He will provide only one way, apart from the death of His dear Son on a cruel cross, for our sins to be forgiven and for us to be saved today.
The main reason why good works cannot lead to salvation is because good works cannot change man’s sin nature. Paul wrote: Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” In order to make us fit for the Kingdom, Jesus has to give us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. The Holy Spirit is God’s stamp of approval. He will also help us to avoid sin as we walk in Him. Man’s sin nature was inherited from the fall of Adam. We are all born with a sinful nature that separates us from God.
The sinful nature in man, is the reason why we MUST be born again. When we are born again, we become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 2:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Jesus shared this truth with Nicodemus. Jesus told him you Must be born again (John 3:1-21).
Many Christians, even those who preach the gospel, when asked if there is more than one way to God are reluctant to say there is only one way. However, it is the truth that sets people free.
https://joyfoster.substack.com/