John 14:6 (ESV)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
It’s not hard to see how, in this world, we all are trying to achieve something or position ourselves to gain something or strive to reach something. We continue to place ourselves on the game board of life as if it was something to win. We collect money, titles, trophies, friends, awards, affirmations, possessions as a way to gauge ourselves as we move along the board space by space.
So it is with our understanding of God.
Although God already claimed victory on all of our behalf through the sacrifice of his son, we still feel we must do something to win or earn this gift that he freely gives. We may, at times, be frustrated that he has given us only one pathway to himself, that is through believing in Jesus. We think that there has to be another way in. I will show more love, serve more, repent more, give more, sacrifice more.
But imagine for a moment that you were able to do all these wonderful things and God said “Ok, you’re in.” What would God say to Jesus? “Son, I found another way to let my people access to me. Sorry about the brutality, rejection and suffering you had to endure, but here is a better solution.” All my people have to do now is meet these new standards:
- Give everything they have away to the poor
- Forgive and love everyone in the world including murderers, thieves, rapists, etc.
- Show no sign of sin in their lives
- Be perfect in all they do
- Love me and trust me 100%
If they can do this, then they get in. But if they don’t, they will not receive eternal life in heaven with me. I will even make it so as many who achieve this goal are welcome. I have room for all who get a perfect score.
God knows this is impossible for anyone to reach this goal. He says all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
If there was another way don’t you think he would have chosen it over having his son die on the cross?
The sooner we give up our trying and surrender to his plan the faster we can receive his gift of salvation.
There is no other way.
Just a Thought…
PS. God says if you have a better plan, feel free to submit your recommendations in your prayer the next time we meet.