HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christ plainly stated: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus did not say, “I am a way and a truth and a life. Everyone comes to the Father through whichever path they choose.”

Paul repeatedly stressed this concept, at one point declaring quite forcefully, “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel [or “good news”] other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” (Gal. 1:8). Moreover, in the Old Testament, God explicitly commanded Israel to “not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you” (Deut. 6:14). Why not?

Jeremiah reveals: “The Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King” (Jer. 10:10). Also consider Psalms 33:4 and 86:10–11: “The word of the Lord is right and true” and “You alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth.”

No wonder Jesus said, “He who sent me is true” (John 7:28) and prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The very reason he came was “to testify to the truth,” going so far as to announce, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37).

This year, let us all as followers of Christ be on the side of truth, and share that truth, as scripture tells us to do, in love with as many people as possible. And in so doing, “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4: 15). Lord, help us make 2009 a year of outward evangelism and inward change!

peace in Him,

Richard Abanes