Is There Just One Way?
by Perry Hall
Is there only one way to God? Contrary to popular thought and recent comments made by the head of the Catholic Church, Jesus is the only way. But do we deeply understand what that means?
Jesus is called the Way (John 14:6), and Jesus's followers were so identified with their Lord that what we call Christianity is known in the Bible as "The Way" (Acts 24:14, 22; 24:2). "The Way" was more than just a title, it was a way of life for the disciples of Jesus. They lived differently because of their encounter with Jesus.
So far, Jesus is the Way, and the Way is identified with Jesus. Jesus is the Way to the Father because of their relationship, and our way is identified with Jesus because of our relationship. Now, we are getting personal.
Saying Jesus is the only way will be viewed narrowly by some who only look at the church of Jesus versus the Denominations because Jesus didn't begin any denominations. Such is a subset of the bigger picture.
Remember these two points:
- Choosing a church pleasing to Jesus is essential.
- Being part of His church will never be popular or mainstream.
Let's go deeper.
If Jesus is the only way and is the Way, then doesn't that also mean the way of Jesus is the only way?
What was the way of Jesus?
Submission and suffering. Both can be found in His final words: "into your hands (submission) I commit my spirit (suffering)" (Luke 23:46).
What is Jesus's way for us? Submission and suffering. "If the world hates you (suffering), remember it hated me first (submission)" (John 15:18).
Why is it important to choose the way of His church over the denominations? Submission to His will (#1 above). This will lead to suffering because it is prophesied (#2 above).
Jesus as "the way" is far more than being part of a local church that belongs to His authorized ways. Life is more extensive than our work in a congregation. Jesus paved the way to heaven with His submission to His Father and suffering in a world cursed by sin.
There is only one way. Jesus is the Way, and we must live His way. If submission and suffering are Jesus's way, then that is our way.
"Although he was the Son, he learned obedience (submission) from what he suffered (suffering)" (Hebrews 5:8 CSB) .
