Jesus, The Way To Eternal Life

Introduction

We have considered how Jesus is truly The Way to many good things. He is The Way to a better life, forgiveness of sins, and a close relationship with God. He guides us out of religious confusion through His example and the teachings of His apostles.

In this study, we will explore why we can confidently say that Jesus is The Way To Eternal Life. We will focus on passages that refer to “eternal life” as a future hope to be realized after this life. In the writings of John, “eternal life” often refers to the “abundant life” that emphasizes a new relationship with God and Jesus, which is a present possession for those who have come to know them (cf. John 17:3; 1 John 5:13, 20).

Why Jesus Is The Way To Eternal Life

He Has Prepared A Place For Us

Jesus told His disciples the night before His crucifixion, “For I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). This promise assures us that there is a special place waiting for us.

He Will Come And Receive Us To Himself

Jesus also reassured His disciples that He would return to take them to Himself (John 14:3). Paul beautifully describes this event in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, giving us hope for the future.

He Will Judge Who Will Enter Life Eternal

The final judgment scene depicted in Matthew 25:31-41 shows that Jesus will determine who enters eternal life. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 5:10, reminding us that our actions matter.

He Makes Eternal Life Wonderful

Eternal life is not just about living forever; it is about being with God. Revelation 21:1-4 describes how God will dwell with us. He will be our light (Revelation 21:23) and provide the “water of life” (Revelation 22:1-5). Jesus is what makes eternal life truly wonderful.

When we understand all this, we realize that there would be no eternal life without Jesus. According to the Bible, He is truly The Way to eternal life! Since Jesus is the way to eternal life, we should also consider what He teaches about it.

What Jesus Teaches About Eternal Life

Prepared For A Prepared People

People do not stumble into eternal life by accident (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). The way to life is narrow, and few find it. Lack of preparation is often the reason for this.

Jesus taught several parables to emphasize this point. For example, the parable of “The Wedding Feast” (Matthew 22:1-2, 11-14) and the parable of “The Ten Virgins” (Matthew 25:1-13) illustrate the importance of being prepared. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that being religious does not guarantee eternal life (Matthew 7:21-23). We must do the Father’s will!

The Only Alternative Is Hell

Hell is prepared for those who are unprepared (cf. Matthew 25:41, 46). Jesus vividly describes it as a terrible place (cf. Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8). Sadly, this is the only place where people may accidentally stumble into.

Most people will end up there, as indicated by the “many” who choose the wrong path (Matthew 7:13-14). Judgment is reserved for those who “know not God” (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). They will face “everlasting destruction,” which is a terrible alternative to the eternal life Jesus offers.

Conclusion

God and Jesus have prepared a dire fate for those who “know not God” and “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” They certainly do not want anyone to experience this! God desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4), and Jesus is offered as a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

To ensure that “eternal life,” not “everlasting destruction,” is the destiny of all, God has provided the most precious thing to Him: Jesus, His Beloved Son! Jesus is "The ONLY Way" to all that is good, both in this life and the one to come.

But what if one does not accept Jesus as the Way? Then they are destined for a life with little direction here on earth. They risk dying in their sins, being forever separated from God, and living through life in religious confusion. Ultimately, they may face eternal condemnation.

How much better it is to come to Jesus and let Him be your Way! He offers a better life, forgiveness of sins, a loving relationship with God, and a path out of confusion. Most importantly, He leads us to eternal life, filled with glory!

If you haven’t done so yet, I encourage you to obey the Lord Jesus and His gospel today! (cf. Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16)