While today's societal inclusivity of all religions would love to say that "all paths lead to Heaven," the Bible tells us that Jesus is the only way to God's forgiveness, salvation from Hell, and eternal life with Him. In fact, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Note that He says THE way—not A way. Jesus is the one and only way to Heaven. There is no one who could ever earn their way in, learn their way in, or achieve such a level of personal holiness that they could bypass Jesus on the way to Heaven.
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." —Acts 4:12
The Bible gives us several evidences as to why Jesus is the key to the kingdom of God. 1 Peter 2:4 tells us that Jesus was chosen by God to be the Savior. John 3:13 tells us that no one else has ever come down from Heaven and then returned. Hebrews 4:15 points out that Jesus lived a perfect life without sin.
Jesus is the one and only sacrifice God has accepted for the penalty of humankind's sins (1 John 2:2; Hebrews 10:26). He is the only one who fulfilled the prophecies about the coming Messiah (Matthew 5:17). He is the only one who ever conquered death eternally (Hebrews 2:14-15). He is our mediator between us and God (1 Timothy 2:5-6) because of what He has done for us.
"And being found in human form, [Jesus] humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." —Philippians 2:8-11
With all His parables and lessons that seemed to confuse people, Jesus definitely made one thing clear: He is the only way to Heaven. Besides His words recorded in John 14:6, we see that Jesus described Himself as a foundation for faith and life (Matthew 7:21-27). He said His words are "spirit and life" (John 6:63). He made a promise of eternal life to those who believed in Him (John 3:14-15).
When speaking of those who believe, Jesus proclaimed, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus compared Himself to a door which leads to life-giving pastures (John 10:9) and said He is the "good shepherd" who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). Jesus called Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35) and the resurrection which will give us life (John 11:25). Never has there been anyone else who could rightly claim all those things.
When the apostles went out and preached about Jesus, they made sure to be clear about how Jesus died and rose again for a specific purpose. Paul, speaking to Jews in the synagogue, specifically singled out Jesus as their Savior: “I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin” (Acts 13:38-39).
John, addressing all the new churches, reminds them that Jesus Christ is the only reason their sins have been forgiven: “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name” (1 John 2:12). Jesus is the only way to our forgiveness of sin.
The Bible records a prayer Jesus prayed to His Father in Heaven: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3). When He prayed this prayer, YOU were included in that "they." Jesus wants YOU to know God and to know Him, Jesus, because He is the only way to receive God's gift of forgiveness, salvation from the punishment of your sin, and eternal life in Heaven at God's side.
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." —Romans 3:22
To accept Jesus as your Savior from the punishment of sin, you must believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross as payment for your sin and that He came back to life, proving that God accepted His sacrifice on your behalf. (Also see: How can I be saved?)
At one point during Jesus' ministry, many people in the crowds began to walk away, disbelieving that Jesus was who He claimed. Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, "Do you want to go away as well?" (John 6:67). Peter's response shows utter faith that Jesus is the only way: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68-69).
Have you made a decision to believe that Jesus is the key to God's kingdom and accept Him as your Savior? If so—AWESOME! Tell God that you have made this choice and thank Him for sending His Son to die for you so that you can be with Him in His eternal Kingdom. The angels will dance and sing about your coming! Then tell a Christian friend, neighbor, or pastor—or send us a message. Making this decision should not be a secret!
If you have any questions about living your life as a Christian teen, we are here to help! Search the site or send us your own personal questions. We are excited to help you as you begin your faith journey.
The Bible tells us that Jesus is the only way to God's forgiveness, salvation from Hell, and eternal life with Him. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). No one can ever earn their way in, learn their way in, or achieve such a level of personal holiness that they could bypass Jesus on the way to Heaven. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
