"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 5:24
One Way
Many people believe the way to heaven is broad and easy. Their conclusion is simple: "I believe in a god and I live a good life." These people can't imagine why the true God would want more than that. God does desire more, and it is what he desires that should concern me.
Jesus clearly teaches how a person receives eternal life and escapes eternal death and condemnation. His words are clear and to the point: "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life."
What Jesus teaches is vastly different from what many believe. It is much more than believing there is some kind of a god. It is also much more than offering this god a life filled with sporadic good works. It is about hearing and believing what God the Father has revealed in the Bible, and accomplished through his Son.
This is where I need to place my confidence. With complete clarity Jesus taught that he and his Father were completely united in the way to eternal life. When Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), God the Father confirmed it when he said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5)
It is by this unified teaching that I cross over from death to life. Instead of hoping I have done enough or tried hard enough, I know Jesus' perfect life which is mine through faith makes me perfect. As a result of what Jesus has done, I can stand before the judgment seat of the Lord knowing I will receive life.
While it may sound more palatable to believe God is easy going and will allow just about anyone into heaven, it diminishes the tremendous work Jesus accomplished in coming to this earth. He came to secure perfect obedience for all. His came to earn forgiveness for all. He came to bring life for all by trusting in his completed work of salvation.
It is in Jesus' precious work where I find the truth that comforts and the truth that saves. Jesus alone provides the one sure way to eternal life.
Prayer:
O precious Jesus, you are my joy, my hope, my strength, and my life. Strengthen my faith so that I follow you on the one way that leads from death to life. Amen.
This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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