Jesus, The Way To Eternal Life

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                            "JESUS, THE WAY"

                     Jesus, The Way To Eternal Life

INTRODUCTION

1. We have considered how Jesus is truly The Way to many good things: He
   is The Way...
   a. To a better life (by correcting misconceptions and teaching us to
      seek new goals)
   b. To forgiveness of sins (by offering Himself as a propitiation, or
      sacrifice, for our sins)
   c. To God (by helping us first to comprehend God, then to be able to
      approach Him in a close, personal relationship)
   d. Out of religious confusion (through His own example, and by
      guiding us through His apostles' doctrine)

2. In this study, we shall see why we can also say Jesus is The Way To
   Eternal Life...
   a. Please Note:  In this study we shall be considering those passages
      which use the expression "eternal life" as a future hope, which
      will be realized after this life
   b. In the writings of John, the expression "eternal life" is often
      used differently, referring to that "abundant life" which stresses
      a new relationship with God and Jesus, and is a present possession
      of those who have come to "know" them - cf. Jn 17:3; 1Jn 5:13,20

[First, let's note several reasons...]

I. WHY JESUS IS THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE

   A. HE HAS PREPARED A PLACE FOR US...
      1. As He told His disciples the night before His crucifixion
      2. "for I go to prepare a place for you" - Jn 14:2

   B. HE WILL COME AND RECEIVE US TO HIMSELF...
      1. As Jesus told His disciples - Jn 14:3
      2. As Paul wrote of this wonderful event - 1Th 4:15-17

   C. HE WILL JUDGE AS TO WHO WILL ENTER LIFE ETERNAL...
      1. As depicted in the final judgment scene - Mt 25:31,41
      2. As described by Paul - 2Co 5:10

   D. HE IS WHAT MAKES ETERNAL LIFE WONDERFUL...
      1. Together with God, who will dwell with men - Re 21:1-4
      2. They shall be the "temple" - Re 21:22
      3. Jesus will be the "light" - Re 21:23
      4. They shall be source of "the water of life" - Re 22:1-5
      5. Jesus makes eternal life what it is, which explains Paul's
         aspirations - cf. 2Co 5:8; Php 1:23

[When we understand all this, would there be eternal life without Jesus?
Not according to the Bible!  Jesus is truly The Way to eternal life!
Since Jesus is the way to eternal life, should we not also consider what
Jesus has to say about it...?]

II. WHAT JESUS TEACHES ABOUT ETERNAL LIFE

   A. PREPARED FOR A PREPARED PEOPLE...
      1. People are not going to stumble into it by "accident" - cf. Mt
         7:13-14
         a. The way to life is such that few find it
         b. Lack of preparation is the reason!
      2. Jesus taught several parables to stress this point
         a. The parable of "The Wedding Feast" - Mt 22:1-2,11-14
         b. The parable of "The Ten Virgins" - Mt 25:1-13
      3. Also in His sermon on the mount - Mt 7:21-23
         a. Being religious does not ensure eternal life
         b. We must do the Father's will!

   B. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE IS HELL...
      1. Prepared for unprepared people - cf. Mt 25:41,46
      2. A terrible place vividly described by Jesus - cf. Re 20:10-15;
         21:8
      3. The only place that people will "stumble" into accidentally!
         a. Where most people will wind up ("many" as opposed to "few")
            - Mt 7:13-14
         b. Judgment reserved for those who "know not God" - cf. 2 Th
            1:7-9
            1) "Punished with everlasting destruction"
            2) What a terrible alternative to the eternal life Jesus
               offers!

CONCLUSION

1. God and Jesus have prepared a terrible fate for those who...
   a. "know not God"
   b. "obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ"

2. They certainly do not want people to experience this...!
   a. God desires all men to be saved - 1Ti 2:3-4
   b. Jesus is offered as a ransom for all - 1Ti 2:5-6

3. In order that "eternal life", and not "everlasting destruction",
   might be the destiny of all men...
   a. God has provided the most precious thing to Him as the Mediator
      between sinful man and Holy God:  Jesus - His Beloved Son!
   b. God has provided Jesus as The Way to all that is good, both in
      this life and the one to come!

4. But if what one does not accept Jesus as the Way? Then he or she is
   destined...
   a. To a life with little direction here on earth!
   b. To die in their sins!
   c. To be forever separated from God!
   d. To go through life in religious confusion!
   e. To go through eternity in eternal condemnation!

5. How much better to come to Jesus, and let Him be your Way...
   a. To a better life!
   b. To forgiveness of sins!
   c. To a loving and close relationship with God!
   d. Out of religious confusion!
   e. To eternal life, with all its prepared glory!

If you haven't, obey the Lord Jesus and His gospel today! - cf. Mk 16:
15-16; Ac 2:38; 22:16
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