Proverbs 5

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.  His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin.  He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” Proverbs 5:21-23 (NKJV)

There is a popular saying, “All paths lead to God.”  In one sense, that saying is true because all men everywhere will have to stand before the Lord in judgment.  The more important question should not consider whether all paths lead to God, but which one of the many paths available will actually lead to Heaven, the GOOD way.

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.  But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Jeremiah 6:16 (NKJV)

Of all the ways we could go, there is only ONE way that leads to salvation.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6 (NKJV)

While salvation is offered exclusively through Messiah Jesus, it is offered liberally to anyone who would receive it.

“He came unto His own, and His own did not receive Him.  But as many as received Him, to them gave the right to become the children of God, to them who believe in his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:11-14 (NKJV)

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30 (NKJV)

Yes, God ponders the paths of men.  He studies our ways as a master chess champion who can wander through a convention hall, playing hundreds of competitors at once, knowing their next moves, yet winning every game.  Jesus won the victory over our sin, yet offers the trophy to us!  (Ephesians 2:8-9)  He calls to us, pleading through His Word and through faithful men and women who share the gospel.  God does not desire that men would perish but that all would have eternal life.  (2 Peter 3:9)  So, mankind must choose to believe the lying enticements of the great “harlot” (Revelation 19:1-2) or to receive eternal life-giving grace from Messiah Jesus.

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:12-13 (NKJV)