Our Way To God
We need always balance the exhilarating good news of Christianity with the harsh realities of its strict limits and urgent responsibilities.
Jesus came to earth to free us from the bondage of sin, but he also commanded us to “go and sin no more.”
Salvation introduces us to a new life in Christ, but this life also requires that we pick up our cross and follow Christ in a life of service.
Likewise, this passage from John is a good news/bad news proposition. The good news is that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life.”
As a result, humanity’s long and often fruitless search for fulfillment and meaning finds its answer in Christ, who shows us in his life and his words all the incredible riches that God has for us.
On the other hand, if Christ is the way, those who decide to go another way lose out. “No one comes to the Father except through me,” he said, indicating that all other religious traditions and spiritual paths are dead ends.
How could the God who loves the world not save all the people of the world? Theologians have wrestled with this question for centuries.
Some have described salvation as a big party. The party is open to anyone who cares to come, and colorful invitations have been sent personally to everyone on earth.
When it comes time for the party to be held, millions upon millions of people will turn out and have a wonderful time.
But not everyone will show up that day. Some people will get the invitation but throw it on a stack of mail and never get around to responding.
Others intend to come to the party, but various problems will prevent them. In one case, someone’s car might break down along the way.
In another case, a family illness or emergency might take attention away from the party In more than a few cases, people will simply oversleep or forget all about it.
If you’ve ever thrown a party, you’ve probably heard your share of reasons why someone didn’t show up. But you didn’t hassle those who had other things to do.
It’s a free world, and unless they had promised to bring the sodas or chips, they were free to stay home if they wanted.
The same goes for the big, glorious party God has planned for us in heaven. He’s been spending an eternity getting things ready. He even sent his only Son to deliver the invitations.
Who knows who will be at God’s grand party when that day arrives? At least we know he tried to invite us all. It’s up to us to exchange bad news for good.
Father, I thank you that I have been able to hear and respond to your words of life. Help me invite others to your heavenly party.