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16. The Way to Heaven

© John L. Hoh, Jr.

There are six major religions in the world (Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Confucionism). There are over 150 sects, cults, "isms" and "religious" philosophies throughout the world. No doubt this variety causes many to shake their heads and question whether any one faith has the right answers or the truth.

True Christianity, however, is truly different. True Christianity stresses what God, through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, has already done for us and our salvation. Other religions stress what man must do himself for his salvation. Other religions are the "do" religions; Christianity is the "done" religion.

The purpose of Scripture is to show mankind its sin, a person's inability to do good or to atone for his/her sin, what God has graciously and mercilessly done to secure for us our salvation and our response as gratefully redeemed to share this wonderful news. Without this focus, we lose focus on Scripture's message, the Church's mission, mankind's role in God's creation and, ultimately, the denial of God's truth and God's will.

Read John 14:5-14.

When does this account take place?

Describe what such an event may be like (emotions, thoughts, feelings).

What claim does Jesus make about himself?

Describe the unity of the Father and Son as expressed in these verses.

Explain how Jesus is the "way, truth, life."

What are some false ideas associated with Jesus being "the way?"

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

How does Paul contrast Christianity with the religion of natural man?

How does verse 15 set Christianity apart from other religions?

Contrast the Old Adam and the New Man in regard to their views on spirituality in verses 16 and 17.

Paul again stresses the "done" aspect of Christianity in verses 18 and 19. How does he express it here?

Knowing our previous lost condition and our status as redeemed children of God, what does Paul say our joy will compel us to do in verses 20 and 21?

Ephesians 2:1-10

verse 1: our previous condition--
verse 2: who we followed--
verse 3: who this condition includes--
verse 4: God's reason for action--
verse 5: God's action--
verse 6: how he carried this out--
verse 7: why he did this--
verse 8: how we are saved--
verse 9: what we can do--
verse 10: the ultimate reason for our existence--

For Discussion

The Watchtower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) regards Jesus as a man who led an exemplary life to earn status as a "demigod." Explain how this teaching is wrong.

Examine precepts of the major world religions. What similarities do we see? What differences?

Do all Christians view Christ the same way? Do they view salvation the same? Explain your answers.