By Jerry Jackson
There are many ideas today about how a person can get to heaven, but Jesus is the only One who knows what the right answer is. We must not listen to what others would tell us, or even what our heart makes us feel, for they can deceive us. Let's listen to what Jesus said about going to heaven.
“Jesus saith onto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
1. I Am the Way
In stating “I am the way," Jesus is telling us that there is no other way of salvation or way to heaven. Some are deceived into believing that there are many ways to heaven, but that is not what Jesus tells us. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Every man, woman, and child has rejected this Way because of their sin. So, in and of ourselves, there is not one of us who can get to heaven. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10-12)
2. I Am the Truth
Many feel that the truth is subjective. That means that what may be true for you may not be true for someone else. You must find your own truth and allow others to search for and find their own truth. While this philosophy is popular today, it is not true. There is only one truth, and all else is falsehood.
The Truth is not found in religious ceremony, or just going to church. The Truth is found only in Jesus Christ. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:21-23)
3. I Am the Life
Jesus wants to come into your heart and give you a new life. “...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly...” (John 10:10)
There were many in Jesus’ day who felt that they could find another way to achieve eternal life, outside of Jesus. These people condemned themselves to miss out on an abundant life on earth and eternal life. “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24) "And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:40)
4. Only Through Me
Only Jesus can take you to heaven to be with God the Father. There are two reasons for this: Your sin keeps you from being worthy to go to heaven. “...For the wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23a) “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14-15) “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2)
Only Jesus can bring us peace with God the Father. He alone can take away all our sins. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5: 1) “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)
How Can You Receive Eternal Life and a Place in Heaven from Jesus?
You must repent of your sins. “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.“ (Mark 1:15)
Repentance is feeling the weight of your own sinfulness, being sorry for the wickedness you have done because it is offensive to a holy God, and desiring to leave the sinful life behind.
You must place your faith in Jesus Christ alone. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18)
Jesus is the only One who can give us life. “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:40) “...Iam come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly...” (John 10:10b)
If you will truly believe and call on the Lord Jesus to save you, He has promised to save you. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) “Seek ye the LORD while he may he found, call ye upon him while he is near...” (Isaiah 55:6)
Do not try to find another way into heaven. Please, listen to what Jesus said, and come to Him today. “...Behold, now is the day of salvation...” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
—Jerry Jackson
Tract C–413 can be Ordered From Tabernacle Baptist Church