Jesus is the way to heaven

The religious scholars and Pharisees were jealous of Jesus because he had a different mode of preaching and practices, and they stalked him to find an occasion to harass, persecute, and kill him. The hypocritical people challenged Jesus’ authority and questioned him on controversial topics – such as tax payments. Meanwhile, Jesus - the Son of God - remained steadfast and never hesitated to silence his foes with intellectual responses. Two instances of Jesus' responses are highlighted as follows:

1. “Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is he who gave you this authority?” But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, and answer me: The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it was from. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Luke 20:1-8).

2. “So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, and you do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test me? Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent. (Luke 20:20-26)

Lesson:

Anyone who attempts to challenge the authority of Jesus Christ is merely joking. No one can challenge his authority! People who claim to be intellectual and those who believe other media of salvation should think twice and realize that there is no deity or person who has ever died and resurrected – except Jesus Christ. At least conventional wisdom testify that if Jesus could resurrect from death, he would certainly retain the power to resurrect his followers from death on the last day. The inductive conclusion is sound and clear, Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. Hence, all people should humbly come to Jesus Christ and accept him as their personal Lord and Savior. Anyone who rejects Jesus Christ will not resurrect to share a part in God’s kingdom.

Prayer of Salvation/Affirmation:

Yes, I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven! Yes, yes, yes, I am ready to give my life to Jesus Christ today! I am emphatically declaring an oath to God that I (Mention Your Name) declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for sinners. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only pathway to the kingdom of God; therefore, I confess him (Jesus Christ) as my personal Lord and Savior. As from today, I am a child of God, and I will serve God forever! Amen.