The Only Way

More than a few years ago, I was confirmed. In my mind, confirmation is our way of “confirming” the vows that may have been taken for us in baptism. The service is much the same. It is our chance, as young adults, to affirm our faith in the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Back then, confirmation was a big deal. We went through classes (mine were on Saturday mornings) and learned about our faith and our church, including the history of the Church. We all looked forward to being able to take communion after we were confirmed. The day was set and we were all brought to the front of the congregation in our white robes and corsages/boutonnieres to pledge our faithfulness to our faithful God. The more individualized part of the service included receiving our confirmation verse. This verse is the one that I was given. I know with certainty (no one told me, but I just know) that God chose our verses. This verse has played a huge part in my faith walk and has caused not a little conversation about what it actually means.

I don’t think anyone has an issue with the first part – and many times when this passage is used, it stops with, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” I think we like to forget the rest because this is where it gets dicey. Jesus is telling us that the only way to the Father, to Heaven, is through Him. Only by belief in Him can we punch our ticket to Heaven.

That’s a hard one when we have friends and family members who do not believe in Jesus. I have had long conversations about the fact that this or that person does so much good, aren’t they going to get to Heaven? As much as we would like to believe that, Jesus makes it clear that it is not true. For those who believe this makes Christianity an exclusive club, we need to remember that all are invited, but only those of us who accept that invitation are going to sit at the Heavenly table prepared for us by Jesus.

I have been told that if we serve a God of Love, then how can He turn people away? But we also serve a God who is just. There needs to be a penalty for our sin. When Adam and Eve fell in the garden, they created separation from God. Jesus is the Bridge – the Way – that brings us back into a relationship with the Father. That is the only Way we can get back to the Father and have the relationship that was intended since before the creation of the world. This is not only made clear in this passage, but in others in Scripture, as well.

I, too, have known people that I would love to see in Heaven. But they will not accept the salvation offered by Jesus. It is our job to tell people about Jesus. To teach them (in a kind and gentle way) the Truth and Life that are found in Jesus. But they can accept or reject, just as we can.

I know that some of you may not agree with my interpretation of Scripture. And that’s okay – because that is where conversation and dialogue begin. That is where we can air our beliefs in a respectful and safe atmosphere – in an attempt to understand each other. 

For me, I continue to believe firmly that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that He is the only way I have of being in a reconciled relationship with the Father. I love my confirmation verse and I strive to live into it every day – showing the Love and Light and Truth and Way in my own life as I shine that Light and Truth in the lives of others. 

What do you believe? How do you interpret this much-used passage of Scripture? How do you help others to see that Jesus is, in fact, the Way, Truth, and Life, not only in your life, but for their lives, as well?

Blessings 😊 Ceri