Rom 3:10-18

"10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. "

Is the Christian Faith the only way to Heaven?

2 Corinthians 5:10.

"10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. "

The most common problem for those who may be interested in following the Christian faith is the fact that it claims to be the only way to heaven. A common question by the people seeking the answer is "Don’t all religions lead to heaven?"

The fact that Jesus Christ claimed that he was the only way to heaven, is a fundamental fact and condition of the Christian faith.

"6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

As a true, Bible-believing Christians, we must be willing to tell the world that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.

Jesus Christ emphasized often that he is the only way to God and heaven.
John 14:6.

"6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Jesus also pointed out that the way through him to heaven is not easy and can be very difficult.
Matthew 7:13,14.

"3 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

On the night before the crucifixion Jesus took His disciples into a place called Gethsemane, there He prayed about his coming time of suffering on the cross. As he prayed the intense dread of His situation was enough to make " his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." He asked God for the coming action to be stopped if there was another way. God did not reply as this was the only way. A sinless Son of God had to die in place of the people of the world.
Luke 22:39-44.

"39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."

Does it matter if it is "not true?"

Let us suppose that Jesus was wrong and there are many other ways to heaven. This would immediately put your own personal salvation in doubt, because if Jesus did not know that there were other ways to heaven then he cannot be the all knowing Son of God, Jesus could only be a normal person, not the Son of God. More important then if this is so then his "sacrificial death" on the cross would be insignificant, could not be for the whole world, but only for himself.
Therefore Christian Believers could not have a personal forgiveness for their sins and a future in heaven with Jesus and God.
If Jesus was not the Son of God then Jesus was wrong and we cannot trust his words, so the Christian faith is completely unsafe!!!
The question "WHICH ROAD LEADS TO HEAVEN" is very important to the people of the world, was Jesus telling the truth?

"Jesus is saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What about those who have never heard the message about salvation through Jesus?

It is interesting to note that many people and nations seem to desire and require a "superior being" that they can refer too, religion is everywhere, it seems to be built into our conscience. Down through the ages people have made and set up idols which they turn to for help. Unfortunately, as these "superior being" idols have been made by the people themselves out of wood or stone, they definitely cannot have the power to answer the prayers of the people.
Even modern people will call upon "God" when they need help. And unfortunately they also use the name of God as an expression of "surprise," or "swearing," - the expression "Oh my God" or similar is very common today. You are actually calling for help from God when you use those words.

Some people say that the "truth is what you believe," can this be true? Let’s say you do not believe in the action of gravity on your body. Well just fall off a building and you will get to know the effect of gravity, and it still exists even though you do not believe in it!

Another way of ignoring the real truth is the method used by Satan, he does not accuse God of lying but questions by "Did God say that?" or "Do you understand what God said?" He used this method with Eve, Genesis 3:1ff.

No One is acceptable to the pure and Holy God.

Let us examine the basic teaching of the Bible as to the attitude of the Holy God to the people of the world.

Romans 3:10-18.

"10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes."

It is a very common belief that everyone, regardless on what they believe, will still be acceptable to God for eternity. In other words, no one will suffer any punishment by God for their life, good or bad. These people believe that a loving God would not suddenly become a cruel tormenter for eternity when they die. Does this make sense?
If an earthly father behaved like this we would punish him.

If God was eventually going to accept all people then why did He send His own Son to take the punishment of each person on the cross?

What is the difference? Let us examine the state of the people of the world and their relationship with a pure and holy God.
Romans 5:12-15.

"12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. "

Is it the same God?

According to world records the world population contains approximately the following religions:-

• Muslims, 1.9 billion.
• Hindus, 1.1 billion.
• Buddhists, 500 million.
• Various Chinese faith’s, 200 million.
• Hebrew,Jewish faith. 20 million
• Christians, 2.3 billion.
• Atheists, 1.2 billion

Though Christians, Jews and Muslims seem at first to worship the same God because they all associate their belief with Abraham, who worshiped the True God. But their attitude to Jesus Christ, as the Son of God are very different. The Jew’s rejected Him as their Messiah, and the Muslim’s only accept Jesus as a prophet.

" 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. "

There were many hundreds of years before Jesus was born and so the people could not know about him and His Words. So what happens for them?

The Bible points out that there is all the information that the world needs to seek God and know about Him, but the hearts of Man prefer to worship themselves and not God.

Romans 1:19-32.

"19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

In other words, each person has all the information needed to find out about God, just by looking around them, there they will find that there is an Holy God who created the world and them, who loves them and wants them to turn to Him.

There are many examples in the Bible of people who have searched for God and developed a relationship with Him, then been guided or warned by Him. For example here are just two who are well known:-

Noah spent 120 years building the Ark and telling the people of the coming judgement, he was totally ignored and the people suffered the punishment by God. Genesis 6:8 to 9:28.
Hebrews 11:7.

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

Abraham: whose name was Abram initially, lived with his family in his native country of Chaldea. God made contact and instructed him to become the "father," the beginning of His chosen people. Abraham then, with his father, family and household, left the city of Ur in obedience to the instructions of God, and eventually came into the "promised land", "not knowing whither he went" Genesis 12:1ff. He trusted completely in God and the guidance of God who had called him.
Hebrews 11:8-10.

"8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

The Gift of Salvation.

Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross for all the world, not just for those who had been alive at the time but for all those who had already died as well as those who were still to be born. However, there is one condition, you have to believe that He died for you and ask for forgiveness for your failures and sins.
John 3:16-18.

"16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. "

Romans 10:9.

"9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. "

John 11:25,26.

" 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

What about any who cannot believe in Jesus because of their age or mental problems?

The first point in response to this question is that scripture does not supply a direct answer to the question but by looking at various scripture concern or involving children we can probably find the answer.

1)We need to be like children.
Mark 10:13-16.

"13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."

God wants us to be like children. Jesus blessed the children, He would not have done that if they were not heading for heaven.

Psalm 139:13-16.
David refers to a time before birth and God was already caring for him.

"13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."

2) God seems to look on children differently.
Romans 5:12.

"12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: "

Adam sinned which was passed to all Mankind, which resulted in death as proof of our sinful nature. Each person is responsible for their own sins.
Ezekiel 18:20.

"20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him."

If a child or person does not have the ability to know what is good or evil, he / she cannot be accountable. Proof of our sinful nature is disobedience and rejection of God.
Look at the story when the Jews surveyed the promised land before entering. Ten spies rejected and the people followed them, two spies believed and trusted God. The adults in the tribe were not allowed to entered the Promised Land, only the two faithful spies and the children.
Deuteronomy 1:39.

"39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it."

4) The attitude to the death of his baby by King David.
2 Samuel 12:15-23.
David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and a child resulted. God punished David by making the child ill unto death.

" 15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died.
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21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. "

David knew that one day, when he died, he will be with the child in heaven.

5) All salvation is dependant upon the Grace of God, Abraham was born and died before Jesus, because he worshipped God he was declared right with God.
James 2:23.

"23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. "

Some additional verses from the Word of God.

Mark 8:27-29.

"27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. "

Acts 16:16,17

"6 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation."

2 Peter 2:1,2.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of."