NTDS (71): One Way

1 Tim 2:5-7 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.  NIV

The expression “one way,” was at one time a popular sign, used by Christians to give glory to God at the end of a song performed by Christian bands. Pointing one’s first finger up to God indicated this and it was done instead of applauding. That way both the performers and audience would give recognition to the Lord instead of the performers. It really meant that there was only one who is worthy of praise and only one way to heaven.

Though this tradition has since passed, the reality of its’ meaning is still true today. There is only one who is worthy of our praise and there is only one way to heaven. This verse makes that clear. Yet, many people struggle with that concept. Even some believers in Christ have a hard time thinking that their friends, who may be sincere in their belief of a “different’ way, will not go to heaven. The most prevalent question people ask concerning this doctrine is, “if one is a ‘good person,’ how could God not accept them?”

These are legitimate questions but this verse can help answer them. “There is one God (v5).” If that is true, then any other entities, philosophies or religions cannot be accepted as true. If there is only one God and He is truly God, then He sets the rules. What He says goes. You may think that is unfair, but did you create the universe and all living things? Rom 9:20
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'"

More importantly, it is critical to see that the true and living God, the God of the Bible, is fair and just and kind and loving. This passage makes that clear. This God, who does set the rules, made a way for rebellious mankind to have eternal life and a personal relationship with Him. That way was to come to earth, humbly living as a man among His creation and giving up His life as a ransom for us.

How could anyone complain that God’s way of salvation is not fair? He gives it as a free gift for all who would put their faith in Him. Rom 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Is there any other “god” you know of that offer you this? Is there any other religion that has a god who lays down his life
so that man can live eternally with Him?

Moreover, this same God has proven Himself to be existent, by revealing Himself in written word. He has given us the sure word of prophecy, telling us of His plan of salvation before it happened. When you read Isaiah 53, you see the depiction of the suffering and death of Jesus, written hundreds of years before it happened. Mathematicians have calculated that the odds of one person fulfilling all the prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the promised Messiah, were almost impossible, yet it happened in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. He gave His life, dying on a Roman cross, to give anyone who desires to spend eternity with Him, that privilege. What could possibly be more loving and fair than that?

There is only one way, but it is a good way and we should be thankful for it! Early church believers were often called followers of  “The Way.” If you have not yet chosen this way, I encourage you to choose today the only way to eternal life with God. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today and become a follower of “The Way.”

God bless you

Coach