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      "The Exclusivity of Christianity"
      John 14:4-6
      Theme:       Because man is spiritually disoriented, deluded, and dead, he cannot get to God except through Christ.

        1. The Distraction from the Gospel – 14:4-5

          1. The way to God has been disclosed - v. 4

            1. Jesus is following up on His attempt to encourage His disciples as they approach the hour of His crucifixion and death.
            2. He has just promised the glorious fulfillment of God’s plans of redemption – the consummation of redemption when they receive the fullness of their spiritual inheritance in Heaven.
            3. He had explained that He had to "go to prepare a place" – by means of His atoning death on the cross, a path that the disciples could not travel because of His exclusive worthiness.
            4. However, He would come and take them by means of the rapture so that "where I am, there you may be also."
            5. He then affirms that He had given them enough teaching concerning the way to God that they ought to understand how it is that they would get there – "And you know the way where I am going."
            6. This way to God has been fully disclosed throughout Jesus earthly ministry and in His various teaching – cp. John 10:9.

          2. The way to God has been diverted - v.5

            1. However, just as men today misunderstand because of an improper spiritual orientation, Jesus’ disciples didn’t grasp what He was saying – "Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way’?"
            2. His focus was not on the heavenly blessings that Christ had just promised – a place for them in His Father’s house and the ability to be in the presence Christ in Heaven forever.
            3. They were "stuck" on the present situation on earth – their desire to be rid of Roman domination and the establishment of Israel in the glorious Kingdom promised throughout the Old Testament.
            4. In essence, Thomas’ attention was diverted away from the spiritual realities being addressed by Christ and placed on earthly accomplishments.
            5. The very same thing exists today as people live for the "here and now" so devotedly that they have no orientation whatsoever to the issues of Heaven and Hell.
            6. In addition, often those who are interested in Heaven or Hell believe the way to Heaven is through some earthly accomplishment or focus – just like Thomas.

        2. The Deliverance through the Gospel - 14:6a

          1. The disorientation apart from Christ – "I am the way …"

            1. However, Jesus wants to make it clear right away that left to themselves, men are completely unable to get to the Father – they are essentially completely disoriented (directionally challenged)
            2. Prior to the entrance of sin into the world, Adam and Eve "walked with God" – having perfect fellowship with Him.
            3. However, when man fell, man ran from God – hiding himself – and became lost, groping for the proper path and never gaining their bearings.
            4. The ways of man result in futility and death – Isaiah 59:9-10; Proverbs 14:12
            5. Mankind could never find their way to God without the intervention provided by Christ who came to provide the way to the Father through the Cross
            6. Satan would keep us continuing on our self-guided journey toward God – guaranteeing our ultimate destruction.
            7. However, Jesus Christ Himself is the way to the Father – the sole individual who can deliver us safely to glory – cp. Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5
            8. Jesus doesn’t merely provide a way to God – He is the Way – cp. Acts 9:2; 19:23

          2. The delusions apart from Christ – "… and the truth, …"

            1. In addition to being lost without the ability to find the way to God, men suffer from erroneous beliefs and conclusions – various delusions.
            2. Satan Himself has foisted these delusions upon men so that they would remain in darkness and deception – cp. 2 Corinthians 4:4; Proverbs 4:19; 2 Timothy 3:13; Titus 3:3; Revelation 20:10
            3. Men are so confused and delusional that the man who gave the order to kill Christ gave the best expression of the futility of man’s comprehension – "What is truth?" – John 18:38
            4. However, truth is not found in a system, philosophy, or even religion – but rather in a Person – Jesus Christ who is the Truth – cp. John 1:17-18; Colossians 2:3

          3. The death apart from Christ – "… and the life, …"

            1. Not only are men disoriented and delusional because of sin, they are also spiritually dead.
            2. God promised Adam that the day in which he disobeyed Him, he would die – cp. Genesis 2:15-17; Romans 6:23
            3. As a result, men are dead in their trespasses and sins – cp. Ephesians 2:1
            4. The only way that men can live is to be found in Christ Jesus who is eternal life – John 5:24.

        3. The Distinction of the Gospel – 14:6b

          1. The prohibition of those apart from Christ

            1. Thus, we find that man is in a condition wherein they are unable to approach God – "no one comes to the Father …"
            2. That is, God is completely unapproachable (Way), unknowable (Truth), and unbelievable (Life) outside of the Person of Christ Jesus.
            3. There are not many ways to God, there is only one way and those who either are ignorant of that way or rebellious against that way are prohibited from approaching Him – cp. 1 Timothy 2:5

          2. The provision of those abiding in Christ

            1. However, if one is in Christ, the way to God is open for all – "no one comes to the Father but through Me."
            2. Although man cannot find the way to God independently of Christ, we are able to come to Him through Christ - cp. Hebrews 10:19-22
            3. This ability to individually approach God through Christ and His atonement was dramatically symbolized by the removal of the physical barrier in the temple – the tearing of the veil – cp. Matthew 27:51.

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