The way of death

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12.

A proverb states: “There are many roads that lead to Rome”. If it involves a destination on earth, it is an apt saying. Even if I cannot find the best way, I shall somehow eventually reach my objective, even if I come too late. When it is a question of our eternal destination, however, many people are content to imagine themselves on the right way to God and will finally land in heavenly glory.

Many take the way of the law. It is a hard and stony way. Whoever sets out on it is confronted with God’s demands: “Thou shalt …” and “Thou shalt not…” The ten commandments that Moses was given from God’s hand made such demands. Despite the fact that the curse of the law threatens to fall on whoever fails to keep all the commandments (and who ever could?), it is a much favoured way. The thought that eternal salvation can be attained by what man contributes to it clearly appeases many people.

Others go the way of good resolutions. It is said these are what paves the way to hell. We can well imagine that many fail on this pathway, being unable to summon the strength needed for improvement. Such persons apparently overlook the fact that any amount of good resolutions cannot blot out their sinful past. What is to become of past sins? These are all ways of death. There is only one way to life: faith in Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No-one comes to Father except by me” (John 14:6).