Jesus spoke of two paths: one that is wide and leads to destruction, and another that is narrow and leads to life. So how can we find the road to heaven and avoid the wrong one?
We need better guidance than human religion or philosophy, because Scripture warns us that “the world did not know God through wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:21). Thankfully, God has not left us to guess who he is and how we can know him. He has spoken to us through the Bible.
The Bible was written by people guided by his Holy Spirit. For this reason, the Bible is truly the Word of God. And because God does not lie or make mistakes, we can trust what the Bible teaches. Most importantly, the Bible shows us how we can be saved. The Holy Scriptures “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
- What about tradition? Tradition can be useful, but it must never take the place of God’s Word. Jesus warned about this danger (Mark 7:1–13). The religious leaders of his day had the Scriptures, but they also followed many human traditions that had been passed down to them from their ancestors. In effect, by mixing these traditions with Scripture, they ended up distorting what God had actually said. Jesus strongly rebuked them for setting aside God’s Word because of their traditions. We need to be careful not to repeat the same mistake. Our beliefs must always be tested by what God has said in Scripture.
- What about religious teachers? Should we listen to them? Yes, certainly, especially those who faithfully teach the Word of God. But it is also our responsibility to make sure their teaching agrees with the Bible. That’s what the early disciples did: they “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). What a great example for us. Let us follow in their footsteps, and build our faith on the solid rock of God’s Word.
- What about our own opinions? The Bible warns us not to rely on our own thoughts and ideas. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). We are wise when we let God’s Word shape the way we think. Our faith should not rest on the uncertain foundation of “That’s what I think,” but on the firm foundation of “That’s what God has said.”
The Bible is our trustworthy guide on the path to heaven. When we listen to, believe, and obey its message, we can say to the Lord with confidence, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
So let us place our trust in God’s Word and walk the path he has shown us.