If you talk with many people today and ask the question, “Is there only one way to God?”  there seems to be a growing number of people who say, “No, there are many ways to reach God and get to heaven.”  In other words, many believe Jesus is not the only way to God.  This question is not a new one.  It actually goes all the way back to the beginning.  The question and response to it, was argued between Cain, Abel, and God.  You’ll find it in Genesis 6.

One of the things I love about Ukraine is that people still make time to spend with one another.  Every weekend all over Ukraine the parks are filled with families, friends, chess enthusiasts, and those looking for a good debate.  There are always groups of men standing in one area debating politics, sports, religion, and many other subjects.  I once overheard an argument between two men over the story of Cain and Abel.  It seems so often the argument is centered on how Cain was marked by God for murdering his brother.  That question misses the point entirely.

Both men brought an offering to God.  Scripture speaks for itself as to the result, “And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,  but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.  The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?  If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

Cain had a choice.  There were two ways to come to God to worship Him;  one was acceptable, the other was not.  One way was the way God Himself required.  Abel chose that way.  The other way to come to God was not acceptable.  Cain chose that one.  His way was rejected, and God gave him a chance to change.  His response was to become angry at God and take it out on his brother, killing him.

God’s way or Cain’s way?  God’s way or man’s way?  God’s way requires humility, surrender, accountability, and obedience to God alone.  Man’s way?  Choose your own path to heaven regardless of the consequences. Seems to me that line of thinking leads people to justify almost any kind of behavior they believe is right, including flying airplanes into buildings!

So what is that “mark of Cain” that has fueled debates for centuries?  It was not the color of his skin; that’s stupid and ludicrous!  I don’t think it’s a physical mark at all, but a mark of the heart.  It’s that attitude that says, “I will come to God MY way, on MY terms, in a way that makes most sense to ME!”

I think God’s way is better.  Jesus said it like this, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.”  John 14:6

There is only one way to God, one way to get to heaven, and Jesus is the only way!