The phrase “the power of one” became en vogue in the early 21st century. Its a truism. One person can really make a difference.

There’s another aspect of the power of one.

One person made all the difference, and that difference is an exclusive one. Jesus, the one and only begotten son of God, made this statement in John 14: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”

That’s the power of one.

This is the message of God to mankind from the dawn of creation. There is only one God. He created all that ever was and ever will be. Through mankind’s sin, He promised a way to destroy the power of sin, and that was by sending His one and only begotten son to die an undeserved death for our (the human race’s) sin.

This is the gospel. There is no getting around it. The saving power for humans is only through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Paul and Silas were in jail in the first century. They went to jail for telling this very story; that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. This account is found in Acts 16.

While in jail, the prison guard on duty attempted to kill himself because of the potential jail break. Paul assured him that no one had escaped. The jailer asked a question; perhaps even motivated by self preservation over eternal matters: “what must I do to be saved?” Paul gave him a straight forward answer to the question, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Here’s the question: what must I do to be saved?

Here’s the straight forward, no holes barred, answer: believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Then a promise is made that would include his entire household!

In modern times, the question is often not answered at all, or deflected, or completely lost in a myriad of “whataboutisms.”

Here’s the truth: many have been abused by those claiming to be God’s followers and His voice; Jesus is still the only way to God. Many have been forced into conversion statements and rejection of culture that has nothing to do with following Jesus; Jesus is still the only way to God. Many have been completely sincere in their path; even doing good for humanity, but not putting faith exclusively in the finished work of Jesus Christ; Jesus is still the only way to God.

There is no exhaustive list of alternative paths to God. There is, on the other hand, an exhaustive list of truth – Jesus Christ, the one and only provision – the one who paid the price for our sin, once and for all; He is the only way to God.

That’s the power of one.