Why do Christians insist that there is only one way to heaven?  Doesn't that seem like an arrogant statement?  And if there is only one way, how can Christians be sure that their way is that way? 

    To answer all of these questions, we must first find out what it is that keeps people from heaven.  Everyone would agree that there are at least some people who will not go there.  Is there anyone who would suggest that Adolph Hitler or Osama Bin Laden would enter into the Pearly Gates?  According to the Bible, sin keeps people from Heaven.

"For the wages of sin is death..." - Romans 6:23a

"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." - Revelation 20:14

    Ok, so it is sin that keeps people from getting into Heaven.  But who is a sinner?  Does one sin make you a sinner?  The Bible is very clear on this matter as well.

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" - Romans 3:10-23
   

    According to this passage, everyone of us is a sinner.  This is not an easy concept to handle.  After all, who wants to think of themselves that way?  We all make mistakes from time to time and no one is perfect. Does that really make me a sinner?  Yes.  You see, sin is defined simply as "missing the mark."  We all have "fallen short" short of God's standard - Himself.  We are told in the Bible to be holy as God is holy.  Can anyone of us claim to be as holy as God?  Sure, by our own standards, we may not be that bad.  As we compare ourselves with other people even, we still may not be all that bad.  Yet, when we compare ourselves with God, not a single one of us can even begin to measure up.  And if we are truly honest with ourselves, we really are not as good a person as we make ourselves out to be at times.  The truth is, we have broken God's laws and commandments.  We have lived our lives on our own terms, ignoring the Scriptures. 

    So, where does that leave us?  If no sinner can get into Heaven, and we all are sinners, that leaves us with only one other destination - Hell.  How can that be?  Perhaps the way out of this mess is to begin piling up good works to offset our bad.  Many people and religions teach just that.  Try hard to do your best, help others, and promote the common good.  However, there is a flaw in that logic.  Remember, sin is what keeps us out of Heaven and condemns us to hell.  No matter how many good works one may accomplish, those bad ones are still there.  Picture with me a motorist pulled over by a policeman.  The officer explains that he must hand out a ticket for excessive speed.  At this point the motorist begins pleading, "But I obey the speed limit most of the time!"  That may be true, but even that one offence makes him guilty. 

     Is there any hope for the human race?  Yes, that hope is Jesus Christ!  It is through Jesus Christ that people may be saved.  What about your sin?  Jesus has taken care of all of it:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh
away the sin of the world. - John 1:29

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. - I John 2:2

    You see, Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.  Why?  How can we be so sure?  Because Jesus Christ is the only one who has paid the penalty for your sin.  No other religious figure, ideology, or concept has the power to take away your sin.  Jesus Christ died on a cross for your salvation.  He was guilty of no crime or sin, but loved you enough to pay your price.

    Will you accept the price that has already been paid?  Why not accept Jesus Christ into your life right now?  God promises a new life, a new beginning, and a new peace you have never known before.  Think of how great it would be to have every mistake, error, sin and bad moment forever erased form your account!  What a relief!  Then imagine how great it would be to stare down the corridors of the future knowing you have a God who is control of all things, a glorious Heaven to call home, and new outlook on life.