“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).

     One of the things I enjoy doing is scaling a peak and taking in the breath-taking scenery. I was able to do this many times while living in Maine. However, since the highest point in Florida is Britton Hill, at a staggering 345 feet, those days seem far behind me. But there are other proverbial mountains that I can continue to climb, and we arrive at the highest of them all today.

     We have been making our way through the five “solas” of the Reformation this month in honor of that momentous occasion for us “Protestants” when Martin Luther nailed his “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences,” better known to us as “the 95 Theses,” to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church.

     We began with sola scriptura (Scripture alone); sola fide (faith alone); and sola gratia (grace alone). Today we reach the summit in solo Christos (Christ alone) before we extol God for his greatness and goodness to us in soli Deo gloria (to God alone be glory).

     One day Jesus was preparing his disciples for his departure. He told them in John 14 that there were many dwelling places in his Father’s house, and after he would leave them (through his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection and ascension), he would come back again for them. He said them “You know the way to where I am going” (John 14:4).

     It was then that Thomas spoke up and asked a question – probably a question that all were thinking, but only he was bold enough to ask.  “Lord, we do not know the way to where you are going. How can we know the way?”  (v. 5).

     I am so thankful for Thomas’ boldness to speak up, because Jesus’ response to that question has given hope and assurance to multitudes throughout every generation.  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (v.6).

     I just recently read a survey that found that almost 70% of those who call themselves Born-again Christians believe that Jesus Christ is not the only way to God. This happens, I believe because most do not begin with the first “sola,” sola Scriptura (Scripture alone). To hold this view is to deny the clear teaching of the Scriptures.

     Jesus is not “A” way to the Father, he is the ONLY WAY to the Father. He was quite clear that no one comes to God the Father except through Jesus – ONLY JESUS. Either Jesus was telling the truth, or he was not. And if he was not, then there is no hope, no assurance of salvation. But the resurrection proved Christ was not just telling the truth, but is THE TRUTH.

     It is in Christ alone that our hope is found. He alone is our source of everything – the fullness of God in human flesh. He is our way, he is our truth, he is our life. Let us rejoice today, not in our efforts, not in our goodness, not in our works, but in Christ alone.