2. Do All Roads Lead to Heaven? It would seem that the majority of people of the world think so. They make statements such as: “It makes no difference what a person believes as long as he is honest and sincere.”, “Join the church of your choice.”, “One can be saved outside the church as well as inside.” Such statements indicate that people who say such things really think that all roads lead to heaven. When you get right down to it they even say so. “You believe what you want to believe and I will believe what I want to believe and we will both end up in Heaven even though we are traveling different roads. Because all roads lead to the same place.”

3. Is it True? Such statements and ideas as given are in direct contrast to what is said in the Bible. We are told to study the Bible to know the truth that will make us free from the bondage of sin. 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16,17; Jn. 8:32; 17:17 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 17 ¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Sin is a transgression of God’s law. 1 Jn. 3:4 4 ¶ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

4. How will I know? First, as we noted, it takes some study, and knowledge of God’s word. Then, a realization that not everyone that says they are “Christian” or claims the Lord, is on the road to Heaven. Mt. 7:21-27* Some have read and rejected the Word, and still think they will get there. Jn. 12:48 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. We receive the reward for the lifestyle we live. 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Jn. 9-11 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 ¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. The last passage, teaches we can’t just hear error, but we must work to correct false teaching. We cannot let them continue their belief that they are right. We can’t encourage them in their error. Abide in the doctrine!

5. Why think that, then? What people are saying, when they say that all roads lead to Heaven, is that each person can follow his own steps, believe what he wants to believe, do what he wants to do, and still arrive in Heaven only by different roads or through different beliefs. They believe anyone who believes there is a Christ will just go to Heaven. Such thinking is actually saying that man can direct his own steps when it comes to the matter of religion. But can man? Jer. 10:23; Prov. 14:12 23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 12 ¶ There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

6. Conclusion We’ve seen that NOT all roads lead to Heaven. We’ve seen the need to study to know God’s Word, and thus the road to follow. We must also realize that not all churches are accepted by God. Thus, we cannot worship God acceptably from a false church. –We have an obligation to the saints, Heb. 10: 23-25 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. We cannot let others, who are lost, believe they are saved. We must do our part in teaching them truth. Help them find the road that DOES lead to Heaven!