Why Jesus?

Many years ago I heard a pastor say in a Bible study class that Jesus is not the only way to come to know God. I wondered at the time how, as a Christian pastor, he could not believe this verse in John. “Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6, NIV).

Why is it important for me to believe that Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth and the only life. The most obvious reason is because my salvation, and therefore my eternal destiny, depends upon my faith in this truth. But after salvation, Christ still is meant to change my life. For one thing, knowing Jesus leads to a deeper understanding of the Father. Since Jesus is both God and man, He is uniquely qualified to provide me with such insight. As we study His life, the aspects of God's character and ways that are difficult for our human minds to grasp come to life through Christ's teaching and example.

Jesus shows me who I can be in Him. The Lord is committed to transforming me into the into the likeness of His Son. Though I won't reach perfection in this life or ever become “perfect” like Him, my life should be changed as I yield to the Holy Spirit. The person I was once should be no longer. He is my example to reach for godly attitudes, words, and actions. Do I live my life in such a way that honors Him, or have I failed Him by not allowing Him to change my life? He loved me enough to die for me.... how can I not become the person that He longs for me to be?

Well, back to my initial story. Easter week comes at my church, and each morning a different visiting pastor conducts the service. One morning a visiting pastor stood in my pastor's pulpit, and preached that Jesus was the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Then he asked for those who believed this to raise their hands. My pastor was the only one who didn't raise His hand.

What a sad statement! A man of God, who once believed in the precious sacrifice of Jesus had lost his faith. He believed in”anything” over Jesus Christ. I know in whom I believe, and know that He is able to keep me safe until the day of His returning.

Do you know Jesus?