“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(John 14:6)
There is no greater privilege in this world than knowing God. And as Christ Himself stated in this 14th chapter of John, the only access to God is through His Son whom He has sent. So anyone that rejects Christ remains a stranger to God, no matter how religious they may appear.
People may reference God, attend church, and even defend biblical truths… all while remaining strangers to His saving grace. Such were some of those who opposed Christ when He was on earth. They claimed Abraham’s God as their own, but Christ declared that they did not know Him.
This is why the words of our Lord in John 14 are so essential: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Christ is the way. Sin breached the relationship between man and His Creator. No amount of effort, morality, or religious practices can remove our guilt or restore our fellowship with God. But Christ opened the covenant way through His obedience, His sacrifice, and His mediation. Through Him alone sinners are brought near to God.[1]
Christ is the truth. In Him all the promises of God find their fulfillment. He perfectly reveals the Father and declares the truth concerning our condition and our salvation. Apart from Christ, men walk in darkness and error. In Christ, the light of God’s truth shines clearly.
Christ is the life. Spiritual life comes from Him and from Him alone. Dead sinners are made alive through union with Christ. Every grace, every comfort, and every hope of eternal glory flows from Him. He gives life now, and He will raise His people to everlasting life at the last day.
What a glorious Savior He is. He does not just point the way; He is the way. He does not simply teach the truth; He is the truth. He does not only offer life; He is life itself. The infinite God made Himself known in Christ so that sinners might come to Him and live.
How great is this mercy! We who were once far off have been brought near. We who were blind have been given light. We who were dead in trespasses and sins have been made alive together with Christ.
Let us rejoice that the way to the Father stands open through Christ. And let us never cease to praise Him who is the way, the truth, and the life.
Contemplations:
- The Privilege Of Knowing Christ. There was a time when I was ignorant of God and walked in spiritual darkness. Yet the Lord opened my eyes and brought me to the Savior. There is no greater mercy than to know Him.
- The Vanity Of Mere Religion. I am reminded that outward forms of religion do not equate to the true religion that is found in knowing Christ personally. My faith must rest in Christ alone, who is my only access to God.
- My Need Of Christ Every Day. I do not only need Christ in order to become a Christian; I need Him continually. He remains my way to the Father, my truth in a world of confusion, and my life in every season of weakness and need.
- The Sufficiency Of My Savior. There is nothing lacking in Christ. Everything necessary for salvation and spiritual growth is found in Him. I need not seek another mediator or another source of life, for all fullness dwells in Him.
Prayer (Adoration):
Blessed Lord Jesus, I adore You because You are the way, the truth, and the life. I praise You that You have opened the way to the Father for guilty sinners and that through Your obedience and sacrifice I may draw near to God.
I worship You because You are the truth. In a world filled with error and confusion, You are the perfect revelation of the Father. All wisdom and knowledge are found in You, and Your words are spirit and life.
I adore You because You are the life. You have given life to my dead soul and continue to sustain me by Your grace. Every spiritual blessing that I possess has come through Your gracious hand.
I thank You that You have made the Father known to Your people. Left to myself, I would have remained in darkness and ignorance, but You revealed God to me and brought me into fellowship with Him.
Receive my praise for Your glorious person and saving work. There is none like You in heaven or on earth. You alone are the Savior of sinners and the Mediator between God and men.
Grant that I may know You more deeply and let my heart continually rejoice that I have been brought to God through You.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
John 10:9; Eph. 2:18; Heb. 9:8; 1 John 5:20
[1] Thomas Cole, A Discourse of Christian Religion, (London: R.R. for Thomas Cockerill .., 1692), 113-117.
