John 14:6 (NLT)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
What does Jesus claim about access to the Father (and heaven) in this verse? What does that mean is “exclusive” about heaven?
But wait… Is it even more exclusive than that…?
Matthew 7:21–23 (NLT)
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
So, it seems you can know who to talk to, and you can know the right words to say… But what’s the difference between religious words and real relationship/obedience in this passage?
Jesus himself says this is truth is really hard…
Matthew 7:13–14 (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. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
What words does Jesus use that suggest not everyone ends up in “life”? Why do you think Jesus says the way is narrow? What does this say about the exclusivity of Heaven?
Someone recently expressed that “everyone is a child of God.” Is that Biblically accurate?
John 1:12–13 (NLT)
But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
Work through that passage together. Make sure you discuss who is and isn’t a child of God and how that happens.
Ephesians 2:8–10 (NLT)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Acts 4:12 (NLT)
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Okay, so how exclusive is eternal life?
What is our responsibility to those around us? The angel set the idea… Once you see for yourself what are you supposed to do? (see verse below)
Matthew 28:5–7 (NLT)
Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
After the resurrection, Jesus gave us the “Great Commission:”
Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
So, heaven is exclusive, but our responsibility is to “make heaven crowded.”
What lost people do we need to pray for this week? What steps should we take this week to make heaven crowded?