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I am using readings from the 49 Week Bible Challenge as the basis for these devotions. I encourage you to join me in this discipline. Today’s readings are Acts 4; Psalm 2; 2 Samuel 2; Job 32; Zechariah 10.
Acts 4:5-12
On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
I had recently had hip replacement surgery and was unable to preach or lead worship. But we were able to attend worship. It was a great opportunity to sit in the pew on a Sunday. Our guest preacher was given the task of preaching about whether Jesus is the only way to heaven. He asked the question, in his introduction, “Is Jesus the only way to heaven?” His answer was an unequivocal, “Yes.”
You might wonder why I would recall that. I certainly do believe that. But partially due to my style of preaching and teaching, I would have certainly ended up there, although I might not have started there. He went on to preach a clear message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus alone. No other way. No other name. Well done. I was very thankful for his clarity: grace and truth so well expressed.
I have been cornered by this question by people outside the church. They wonder why a good person would be sent to hell, and not be allowed into heaven. Humanly speaking that is understandable.
Significant to me are these compelling reasons this must be true.
Jesus himself said it, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).
Peter’s testimony is clear: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
I think also about Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Father if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” If there is another way, why did the Father not remove the cup of bitter suffering and death which Jesus ultimately drank?
Only Jesus died for the Sin of the world. Only Jesus has the name that is above every name. Only Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Only Jesus gives me true hope. I cannot imagine investing faith in anyone else. His is the only name worthy of our praise and faith.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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