The Only Way

Is Jesus the only way to God? Is Jesus the only way to eternal life? Are there other ways to God, such as Islam or Buddhism? Are all the world's religions actually worshipping the same God? 

These questions are real, and many are asking them today. Barna Research recently conducted a poll on this topic, which I would like to share with you today. 

The Barna Research Institute report for 2025. 2/3 of the adult US population (178 million) claim to be Christians. However, 92% of those claim what we call syncretism, or a merging of different religious beliefs. They believe that there are many ways to salvation and that Jesus is only one of those. That is almost double what the research showed in the 1990’s. Of the remaining 8% only 4% or around 7 million believe in a complete biblical view of Christianity, meaning they believe the Bible is the true, inerrant, Word of God, and that Jesus is the only way to salvation. 

Syncretism (the merging together of many religious beliefs) has doubled since the 1990s in America. This merging of many belief systems is the direct result of the abandonment and ignorance of the truths revealed through the Bible. Many are receiving their spiritual truth through social media or pop culture, leaving them vulnerable to misinterpretations and lies. 

The door of deception begins when people reject the Bible as their only physical source of absolute truth, the very Word of God. This opens the door to deceptive and demonic spirits. 

The Apostle Paul warned us that many will abandon the truth revealed in the Bible and follow after deceptive and demonic spirits in the last days. 

1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT) 

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 

Jesus is the Word made flesh, revealing the world’s hatred for the Word. Jesus also reveals the power of the Word (the Bible) to make men holy by revealing the Truth to all mankind. 

John 17:14-19 (NLT) 

I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 

15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 

16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 

17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 

18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 

19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. 

The Apostle Paul teaches us to remain faithful to the Word, even if the world falls away from the Word. 

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NLT) 

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 

15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 

So, what does the Bible say about the narrow path to the narrow gate of heaven? If all roads lead to the God of heaven, why did Jesus say the path and gate were so narrow? 

Matthew 7:13 (NLT) 

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 

John 14:6 (NLT) 

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 

Finally, the Gospel of Luke reveals a time when someone dared to ask Jesus the question directly. Will only a few be saved? 

Luke 13:23-27 (NLT) 

Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, 

24 “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. 

25 When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 

26 Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 

27 And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’ 

(Barna poll) 2/3 of the adult US population (178 million) claim to be Christians. However, 92% of those claim what we call syncretism, or a merging of different religious beliefs. They believe that there are many ways to salvation and that Jesus is only one of those. 

Don’t fall for the lie. Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. No one will be allowed entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven without Jesus. No one means no one! 

Maranatha, Hosanna, Hallelujah and Amen, 

Terry Cooper