Is Jesus Really the Only Way to Heaven?

The other day I was driving and talking with a great childhood friend.  During our conversation we were talking about growing up in a small town and the effect that had our understanding/impression of religion.  He shared with me how he had studied other religions to check them out to just make sure he is making the right choice.  I affirmed that decission and shared that I had also checked out other religions; mine was more a study of them during my undergrad work and conversations with people from other religions.

The next day I was reading in the book of Acts and came across this verse:

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

When I read that verse it hit me, again, how Jesus is the only way to salvation.  I cannot create my own path to salvation; anything I try to do on my own could never equate with a Holy (Exodus 15:13) and perfect God (Psalm 18:30).

There is another verse that backs up the Acts 4:12 verse concurring that Jesus is the only way to salvation:.  We see Jesus answer a question from one of His disciples:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

I chose to use the verse in Acts first because I prefer to find scripture that backs what Jesus says.  I have heard people say that Jesus was a good man but He definitely wasn't God.  The best book out there on that subject is "More than A Carpenter" by Josh McDowell.  In that book Josh talks through the three things that Jesus could have been (I'll let you read it to find out).

In my life I am convinced that Jesus is the Lord of the world.  I have read about Him in scripture, have put my faith in Him and have seen Him work in my life in some amazing ways.  I confess there are days that life is tough and I wonder where God is at work and what He is doing but I had hard days before I gave my life to Christ and had no hope to look forward to. 

Where have you placed your hope in this life?  Have you trusted in Christ for salvation?  If you haven't I'd like to recommend reading three verses: Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8 and Romans 10:9-10.  After you have read those I hope it helps you understand this topic more and how Jesus came to save you and me from our sins.