Access to God's Family: The Only Way Through Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the one and only mediator between God and humanity. This truth forms the foundation of Christian faith—salvation and access to God's presence are made possible solely through His sacrificial death and resurrection. No religious ritual, moral achievement, or philosophical belief can substitute for the grace offered in Christ.
The Exclusive Path to Salvation
Access into God's family and subsequent entry into heaven is only by Jesus Christ—there are no other means, whether religious route or self-effort, by which this can happen (Jn 14:6, 17:3; Act 4:12). It involves us receiving Christ by faith (Jn 1:12; Rom 5:2).
Jesus is the only way to heaven
		This happens through the grace of God, not by our performance, works of righteousness, any religion or other philosophy (Eph 2:8,9; Tit
		3:5). Satan has deceived many people with his lies that there are many different pathways to heaven, including through good works, but the
		Bible is clear that all our efforts are ineffective (Isa 64:6; Eph 2:8,9).
		
	
The good news is that although God is holy, in His love and mercy, He will never turn away anyone who genuinely seeks Him for salvation, regardless of their sinful past (Lk 23:42,43; Act 2:21; Rev 22:17). Entrance into heaven is not automatic; it is by an active choice we make of being born again (Jn 3:3). It requires acknowledging we are sinners, repenting (turning from sin), believing and trusting in Jesus, together with accepting the gift of eternal life (Jn 3:16; Act 16:31; Rom 6:23, 10:9; Eph 2:8,9).
Approaching God with a Clean Heart
Confidently we can approach God through Jesus Christ, the High Priest of our salvation, the mediator or person who stands between God and us (Eph 2:18, 3:12; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 4:14-16). Our task then is to maintain an unobstructed route into His presence, for only those with clean hands and a pure heart can have access to God and be acceptable to Him (Ps 24:3,4).
Does God have open access to my life?
		This was graphically illustrated in David's life. When he acknowledged and confessed his sin, his relationship with God was restored (Ps
		32:3-5, 51:1-4). In the same way, the ongoing scrutiny and reflection on our lives with the aid of the Holy Spirit, followed by repentance
		of sin and claiming the forgiveness offered, is important for a victorious Christian walk. 
		
	
Practically, the Bible counsels us to keep the lines of communication with fellow humans open and free of obstacles, so nothing will hinder our prayers and relationship with God (Mt 5:23,24; 1 Pet 3:7). Those who believe there are other routes to God and heaven except through Christ's death have believed Satan's lie.
Guarding the Access Points of Your Life
		Your eyes and ears are access points into your own life. Once something unwholesome has entered your mind, it leaves a stain and is difficult to erase. Its influence lingers, ready to dominate any undisciplined thoughts, so it is important to guard the input against unwanted intrusions (Prov 4:23).
Reflection and Application:
- Reflect on whether your relationship with God is based on faith in Christ alone, not on personal effort or religious performance.
 - Consider areas in your life where sin may be blocking open access to God, and take time to confess and repent.
 - Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ungodly influences entering through your eyes and ears, and commit to guarding your heart.
 - Examine your relationships—do unresolved conflicts hinder your prayers? Take a step toward reconciliation today.
 
See also: acceptance, born again, doors, entry points, gates, input, repentance, salvation, way.