Is Jesus the Only Way?

"The only way where?" one might reasonably ask. I suppose the popular reply would be "heaven." If asked why, they might say that heaven seemed like a nice place, particularly in contrast to hell's fiery weeping and gnashing of teeth. Just because the conversation might go like this doesn't mean it should keep this trajectory. How about a U-turn? I defy you to show me a passage where Jesus says he is the only way to a real place. Or one in which heaven is non-metaphorically described. Jesus asserts himself to be the only way, not to the celestial suburb, but to the Father. Jesus is the only way into a harmonious relationship with the divine, the state of which is biblically described as a place called heaven. Heaven is where God is. Where God is, there heaven is available. God is everywhere. I'm not so sure many people who assume they'd prefer heaven over hell really would. Dallas Willard has profoundly said "You are becoming today the kind of person you will be forever." I would add: "and you are developing today the kind of relationship with God you will experience for eternity." Perhaps Judgment Day will be less a verdict, and more a unveiling. All will see which way we've been traveling, and we'll all be spirited ahead to the eternal destination of our earthly trajectories. Jesus challenges modern sensibilities by asserting that heaven isn't a reality for the dead only, but one that has invaded the present. "The Kingdom of God is among you," said Jesus. Here I am -- I'm already 'in (the kingdom of) heaven' because I'm already in perfectly intimate relationship with God. Heaven starts now. Is Jesus the only way? Yes, in fact, he is. Jesus is the only one who has lived completely and simultaneously 'in heaven' and on earth. And he came to show us his way, the only way, of doing it. He came to show us how to live in the kingdom of heaven, on earth and forever. Our Father in Heaven. Holy is your name. Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

5 comments:

  1. Chris, have you read N.T. Wright's "Surprised by Hope?" How does Wright's view (which doesn't contradict yours) mesh with your thoughts on heaven and/or the Kingdom of God?

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  2. I haven't read "Surprised by Hope" though I did watch Wright talk about it on the Colbert Report - which I've posted here as "Wright and Left". I'd guess Wright would say I'm right, but I could be wrong. If you've read it, maybe you could tell me?

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  3. Tre(whoever you are), I accidentally deleted your comment -- my apologies. I'm glad to hear the title/post combo had it's desired effect. I welcome any further reflections.

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  4. Dallas Willard has profoundly said "You are becoming today the kind of person you will be forever." I would add: "and you are developing today the kind of relationship with God you will experience for eternity."

    Above copy/paste from your post "is Jesus the way?". I would reframe the perspective that today's convictions, decisions and actions will impact the depth and nature of our relationship with God here and now and in the "everafter". However, our earthly existence is a shadowy reflection of the kingdom of God at best. I Cor 15.35-58 describes some of the differences in earthly and spiritual bodies in describing the resurrection of the dead. I John 3.2-3 declares: "Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." My point? Clearly, Jesus taught that believers can experience the kingdom of heaven during this earthly existence, but it also appears that there is an immeasurably greater experience of relationship and worship for God in life beyond this existence that awaits us.

    David

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  5. David,
    You're exactly right. I had hoped to clarify that this life sets a trajectory, that is consumated in the 'everafter' not that this life realizes the fullness of that trajectory.

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