John 14:6

DISCOURSE: 1684
NO WAY TO GOD BUT THROUGH CHRIST

John 14:6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

THERE is in the Christian church a great diversity of character: some, like Nebuchadnezzar’s image, have heads of gold, while their feet are of materials as unstable as they are unsuitable, even of iron and clay. Others are upright in their conversation, while yet their views of divine truth are very imperfect. Such the Apostles shewed themselves all the time of our Lord’s sojourning on earth: nor could the plainest instructions wholly eradicate the errors in which they had been educated from their earliest years. Our Lord had just informed them, that he was about to die, and to go to his Father; and that he would soon come again and receive them to himself, that they might be with him for ever. And, knowing that, in general, they were acquainted with his intentions, he said, “Whither I go, ye know; and the way ye know.” But, alas! though this was true in the general, their minds were at present so engrossed with the notion of an earthly kingdom, that they supposed him to be speaking of some great palace, where he was about to erect his standard. Hence St. Thomas requested further information: to which our Lord replied in the explicit manner related in the text.

In discoursing on his words, it will be proper to consider,

I. Our Lord’s description of himself—

He speaks of himself as,

1. The way—

[The first way to heaven was, by the covenant of works. But, when man had sinned, that way was closed for ever [Note: Genesis 3:24.]. From that time another way was opened, through the incarnation and sufferings of God’s only Son. This was announced to the unhappy pair, who were informed, that “the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s head.” To him therefore they were to look as their mediator and advocate, and through him they were to obtain reconciliation with God. There were two obstacles to their re-admission to the divine favour: these were, guilt and corruption. But both of these were to be removed by Jesus; the former by his blood, the latter by his Spirit. Thus is Christ our way also to the Father making atonement for us by his meritorious death, and renewing us by his all-sufficient grace [Note: Amidst a multitude of passages to this effect, see Ephesians 2:13; Ephesians 2:16; Ephesians 2:18 and Hebrews 10:19.]

2. The truth—

[As the Disciples might not be able to reconcile this with the ceremonial law, which appeared to prescribe other means of access to God, our Lord informed them that the legal sacrifices were only shadows, of which he was the substance; and figurative representations, of which he was the truth. There had been many persons raised up as saviours and deliverers. Many different things also were intended to mark out the way of salvation: the manna from heaven; the water from the rock; the brazen serpent; the daily sacrifices, with innumerable others; but they all pointed at him as the one true source of reconciliation, of healing, of spiritual vigour, and of eternal salvation. He was the one scope and end of all, in whom all were united; from whom all derived their efficacy; and by whom they all were both accomplished and annulled.]

3. The life—

[It would have been to but little purpose to direct his Disciples in what way to go, if he had not told them how they might obtain life and strength to walk in that way. They, as well as all others, were by nature dead in trespasses and sins. Jesus therefore added yet further, that he was “the life.” By this we are not to understand merely that Jesus is the author and giver of life: but that he is really to the soul what the soul is to the body. Without the soul, the body is altogether motionless and senseless. It is the soul that animates, as it were, the different members, and enables them to perform their proper functions. So, without Christ, the soul has no spiritual motion or perception: it is from its union with Christ that it has a sufficiency for any thing that is good [Note: John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5.]. Christ must live in the soul, as the soul does in the body. If we live, it is not we that live, but Christ that liveth in us [Note: Galatians 2:20.].” Hence He both calls himself [Note: John 11:25.], and is called by others [Note: Colossians 3:4.], “our life.”]

This description will appear of the greatest importance, if we consider,

II.

His declaration founded upon it—

Many are the ways which men have devised of coming unto God—
[Some have sought for mediators among their fellow-creatures. Others have trusted in their own repentances and reformations — — — Innumerable are the refuges of lies in which sinners have sought to hide themselves from the displeasure of God — — —]
But there is no way to God but through Christ—
[Nothing can be plainer than our Lord’s assertion. If we ask, What is the way to God? He answers, ‘I am.’ If we inquire, What other way there is? He answers, ‘None.’ If we wish to be informed whether there be not some exception in favour of those who have served God from their earliest infancy, as Timothy, or to the most advanced age, as John? the answer is, ‘No: “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me:” ’ Timothy must come as Mary Magdalen, out of whom seven devils were cast; and John, as the thief, who died a few hours after his conversion. All need equally to have their guilt expiated, and their hearts renewed: and there is none but Jesus who can do either the one or the other of these things fur us: therefore there is no other name or power but his, that can ever save us [Note: Acts 4:12.]

Address—
1.

Those who are ignorant of the Saviour—

[Have you so little concern for heaven that you will not inquire the way thither? Or do you suppose that a life of worldliness and carnal ease is the path that leads to God; and that men will find it, as it were, blindfold? If this were the case, Jesus would never have become incarnate, and died upon the cross, to open a way for you; nor would he have warned you to the contrary in such solemn terms as those before us. Consider this; for every tittle of his word, whether credited or not, shall be fulfilled.]

2. Those who desire to come to God—

[Beware lest you attempt for a moment to find any other way than that marked out for you by Christ. He must be your only way of access to God. We do not say that you are not to walk in the way of holiness, (for the Scripture asserts the contrary in the strongest terms [Note: Isaiah 35:8.]) but this we say; It is the blood of Christ, and not your own holiness, that must reconcile you to God; and it is the Spirit of Christ, and not your own natural powers, that must enable you to believe in him, or to serve him. Submit to this at once [Note: Romans 10:3.]; for you must be brought to it, if ever you would enter into the kingdom of heaven. You cannot come to God in prayer, but by Christ; much less can you be admitted to him in heaven. Even Christ himself, as the sinner’s representative, entered into heaven by his own blood [Note: Hebrews 9:12.]: think not therefore that ye shall enter in by any other way.]

3. Those who have already come to God—

[Yes; blessed be God, many have come, through Christ as their way, and by Christ as their life: and O, whither are they going? to their Father’s house, whither Christ is gone before to prepare a place for them! What a joyful thought! every day and hour brings them nearer to their home! and, for aught they know, they may arrive at those blissful mansions within the space of a few months, or days, or even hours! Regard not then if your road be occasionally rough; but keep in it; press forward; turn not from it even to the end; and, “when Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”]