You may have heard people say that there are many ways to heaven when we die. Others may say that this “god” or that “god” is yet another way to enter heaven upon our death. Is this true?
The Bible has clear answers regarding what happens to us when we die. Jesus said,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father in heaven, but by me.”
We know Jesus said this based on the authenticity of the Bible. This particular quote of Jesus was recorded by the apostle John. In this statement, Jesus is declaring Himself to be the one, exclusive way to God. He makes clear, “no one comes to the Father in Heaven” except through Jesus the Son.
Matthew was also an eyewitness to the words and works of Jesus. Matthew recorded a parable that Jesus told that illustrates that ONLY two pathways exist when we die. The parable states:
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Jesus describes two gates: a narrow gate and a wide gate. A small gate requires more thought and planning to navigate through. A wide gate is easy to navigate, it requires very little thought or planning. The small gate leads to life – the wide gate leads to destruction.
What is meant by this? What does Jesus mean by “life?” In the context of what Jesus said before this parable and after (Read Matthew chapters 5 through 7), it is clear that “life” means one will enter the kingdom of heaven! Life means eternal life. Conversely, destruction refers to an eternal state of punishment or hades. The small gate leads to life – the wide gate leads to destruction. Jesus further points out that the “way is narrow” through the small gate, but the “way is broad” through the wide gate. There is no other way that leads to life – one must enter through the small and narrow gate. That narrow gate is Jesus.
One might wonder about religions and other teachings. Clearly these are part of the “broad” way. The Bible teaches us that satan works to deceive and kill. False religions and false teaching are the work of satan. Satan said to Eve (as recorded in Genesis), “Did God really say …?” Satan wants to cause us to question God and look to our own logic and reasoning. Satan does not want us to read the Bible and believe God. Faith is trusting God and God alone.
Believe that Jesus is the Christ 