We live in an inclusive society. It’s more acceptable to be politically correct and to not make anyone feel uncomfortable, especially on matters of theology. Sometimes that makes it tough to be blatantly direct and unwavering in a fundamental truth. The thing is, truth is different than just a belief. Truth just… IS, whether or not one chooses to accept it. That’s how we Christians view the truth of our gift of salvation through Christ alone.
The challenge for many of us is to teach this fundamental truth to our children, while being mindful that it can be a confusing concept if we have family members who have chosen to not accept Christ. How do we handle those tough questions, like “Do you mean that Uncle Paul isn’t going to Heaven?”
What we may be inclined to do is beat around the bush and not answer that question too directly because the truth could be really scary for our kids – not to mention pretty uncomfortable for us! But taking a different approach to answering that question may open our children’s eyes to God’s salvation plan through Jesus, as well as teach them the importance of their own prayers and ultimately the blessings of spreading God’s Good News!
So when you’re faced with the question of “Is Jesus the only way to Heaven?” The answer is a heartfelt, “YES!” Share with your kids that God loves us all so much that He sent Jesus to earth, as a gift for each one of us, so that we could share Heaven with Him forever. Without Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross none of us would see Heaven, and God didn’t want that. He made a way for everyone to get there and be with Him forever! Those of us who know that Jesus is the way to Heaven need to tell those who don’t know, because Jesus is the BEST news there ever was! How can we keep such wonderful news to ourselves? We can’t, and we shouldn’t!
If you have older kids who struggle with Jesus being the only way to Heaven, it’s important to share with them the scripture that explains God’s plan of salvation through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. First, we can read about God’s plan for each of us as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
We can then share with them that even though God loves us immensely, we are all sinners and our sin separates us from being right with God. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
That’s why God sent Jesus to rescue each and every one of us from sin! Through the gift of Jesus we now have a way to be right with God, and share Heaven with Him. All we have to do is chose to accept this wonderful gift! John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus tells us that only He is God’s answer to our salvation! John 14:6 “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
If you haven’t already purchased the What’s in the Bible? DVD’s, Jesus– God’s rescue plan– is shown so beautifully throughout! Kids will gain a much better understanding of why we all need a Savior, and how perfectly God’s plan has played out through Jesus.
Even as adults we may struggle to grasp why people we know and love choose not to accept the gift of salvation. Let’s discuss this…
