While pursuing religious studies in the University, I heard about cultural beliefs that indicate
several ways one can use to get to Heaven. Since I have always been keen on finding answers
from the bible, I do not advocate for anyone to follow some of these cultural beliefs as they lack
biblical evidence. This made me feel the need to share my insights on what the bible says about
getting to Heaven. Is Jesus the only way to Heaven?
In this article, I will uncover what the Bible says regarding the way to heaven. Join me in this
exploration and learn whether the Bible says that Jesus is the only way to Heaven and whether
Jesus said he is the only way to heaven. You will also discover what Jesus meant when he said,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life” and why he is the only way to Heaven. Keep reading to
find out how people went to Heaven before Jesus was born and if there is any alternative way
to Heaven besides Jesus. Here is more!
Does the Bible say that Jesus is the only way to Heaven?
The scripture indicates that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. Jesus said in the book of John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Other than John 14:16, the earliest followers of Jesus indicated in the book of Acts 4:12 that, indeed, Jesus is the only way to Heaven. “And there is salvation in no one else, among men by which we must be saved.” It is only through Jesus that we get salvation, and it is only when we are saved we can have eternal life, hence accessing Heaven. Paul taught in his letters that it is only through Jesus Christ that we can receive our salvation.
Furthermore, the scripture says in the book of John 3:16 that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but inherit eternal life. So, it is a condition to inherit eternal life, and one has to believe in Jesus, which points to the fact that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
Did Jesus say he was the only way to Heaven?
Jesus specifically said in the book of John 14:6 that he is the only way to Heaven. Aside from this verse, he also presented himself in ways that indicated that only through him can we gain eternal life in Heaven. Jesus mentions himself as the object of faith in the book of Mathew 7:21-27. Additionally, he terms himself as the resurrection in the gospel of John 11:25 and the bread of life in John 6:35. All these points to the fact that it is only through him that we can see Heaven one day.
What did Jesus mean when he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life?”
In Greek, “I am” is an intense way of terming yourself. Therefore, when Jesus said, “I am the way,” he emphasized and indicated that there is no other way but him. On the other hand, the book of Psalms 119:142 reads, “Your law is the truth.” In the New Testament, Jesus came to fulfill the law. He also terms himself as the bread of life and, thus, the giver of eternal life to those who believe in him.
Why is Jesus the only way to Heaven?
Jesus is the only way to Heaven because it is only through him that we can attain salvation and be eligible for Heaven. Romans 3:23 says, “The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction.” Being holy and following the instructions given by God will not guarantee you Heaven, but you must accompany this with believing in Jesus Christ; it is only through that, that you will be assured of eternal life in Heaven.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave us his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It is only through Christ that we can access eternal life. He is the only sacrificial lamb perfect and worthy of paying the debt for our sins.
How did people go to Heaven before Jesus was born?
The Bible does not clearly state how people went to Heaven before Jesus was born. The only two people that the bible records went to Heaven direct are Enoch and Elijah; apart from those, there isn’t enough biblical evidence to conclude how people went to Heaven. However, several theologians have different views on the same.
Theologian Don Stewart notes that people from the Old Testament or those that existed before the death and resurrection of Jesus did not go to Heaven but went to a waiting place because their sins were not atoned. He argues that the death of Jesus Christ took our sins away and allowed the saints that existed before Jesus Christ to go to Heaven. Don Stewart notes that the ascension of Jesus made it possible for the saints who existed before him to access Heaven, a place that they could not access earlier.
However, the Old Testament sheds little light on this issue. Daniel 12:2 says, “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, others to shame, and everlasting contempt.”
Is there any alternative way to Heaven besides Jesus?
According to the Bible, there is no other way to Heaven other than through Jesus. However, several cultural beliefs have emerged in several ways to get one to Heaven. Some people believe that we go to Heaven through wisdom and hard work. However, this is not biblically true as the Bible is clear that it is not through our works that we have been saved, but through His grace and mercy towards at.
Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of the works.”
On the other hand, atheists believe that Heaven does not exist. Atheists do not believe in the existence of God, and thus they believe that upon one dying, their existence ends there. Another misleading belief on the alternative to going to Heaven is that because Christ died for us, we are guaranteed to see Heaven as our sins were forgiven and washed clean at the cross.
However, this line of thought is untrue and misleading as the scripture clearly states that we must believe in Jesus Christ to see Heaven. This still points to the fact that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
