The Only Way
A student asked me recently if Jesus was the only way to heaven? I get this question so often and it’s one of my favorites from students. Lots of time they hear from their friends that Jesus is “great for you” but there are multiple ways to get to heaven. This can make sense to students. Why would God make only one way? He loves everyone and wants everyone in heaven so he probably made multiple ways into heaven. So when students ask this questions it’s easy to quote the verse, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. This verse is powerful and to the point but even after Jesus says these words He asks the very question students are asking. In Luke 22:42 on the night he was betrayed Jesus prays, Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. Jesus is asking is there another way, will there be multiple ways and is there anyway man can be saved other than my death and resurrection? The answer from God was “no.” The answer is not recorded in scripture but I am sure if the answer was different Jesus would have taken different actions. Let your students know it’s OK to ask this question because even Jesus wanted to know.
About the Author
Doug Franklin
Doug Franklin is the president of LeaderTreks, an innovative leadership development organization focusing on students and youth workers. Doug and his wife, Angie, live in West Chicago, Illinois. They don’t have any kids, but they have 2 dogs that think they are children. Diesel and Penelope are Weimaraners who never leave their side. Doug grew up in… Read More
