As I walked along that lonely stretch of Route 66, I began to think of a more enduring road to paradise, a road that has been neglected and abandoned by many. This road to paradise is the only way to the heart of God and is the only way to heaven and eternal life.

Many who traveled Route 66 seeking paradise were disappointed, but if you will follow this road to Paradise, you will not be disappointed. (See Romans 9:33) Let’s consider five crucial crossroads along this road to Paradise.

First, understand that this road to Paradise is a Person. It is Jesus, the Son of God.

Before Jesus died for the sins of the world and ascended back to heaven, He told His disciples that they knew the way. Thomas said, “Lord we don’t even know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus said, “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.” (John 14:1-6)

Jesus claimed to be the only way to paradise – the Truth and the Life. In our world today, that is not a “politically correct” statement. The religious leaders of that day didn’t think so either, so they conspired to have Jesus crucified. But Jesus proved that He was the only road to paradise by rising from the dead on the third day, victorious over death, hell and the grave.

Jesus said in John 4:1, “…believe in God, believe also in me.” The road to paradise begins with a personal relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ. “For as any as received Him to them gave He the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name.” (John 1:12, 2 Timothy 2:5)

The second crossroad is the road of Pardon. Jesus was crucified between two thieves. One began to rant and rave and reproach Christ. The penitent thief affirmed that Christ was innocent but they were guilty and deserving of their sentence. The penitent thief cried out, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” (See Luke 23:33-43)

Jesus offered the thief pardon and paradise. Did he deserve it? Do we deserve it? NO! But God’s mercy rewrote his name. He died on a cross buy woke up in paradise.

Jesus offers you and me that same pardon. “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

The third crossroad on the way to paradise is Peace. Jesus said in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” Many have faced tragedies and trials on the road of life that have filled them with fear and anxiety. Jesus offers you peace. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you; not as the world give, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, not let it be fearful.” (John 14:27) Receive His peace right now into your heart.

A fourth crossroad in our journey to paradise is Praise. Even many believers fail to travel across this juncture. To discover and use it will give you delight and power on your road to paradise.

The one thief hanging on a cross beside Jesus would only rant and rave and ridicule Jesus. The penitent thief gave praise to the Son of God. God has ordained praise. (See Matthew 21:16) On your journey make sure to give God thanks in all things. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Fifth, Jesus is the road to Paradise. Jesus said in His house are many mansions. He went away to prepare a place for you. (See John 14:1-6) In heaven, the streets are paved with gold. But the gold and wonders of heaven will not be the main attraction. Jesus will be the main attraction in heaven. He is the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world for our sins. (Revelation 5:1-10)

Yes, Jesus is the road to paradise and He has a place there for you if you will come to the crossroads and receive His Person as your Savior and Lord. If you will receive His peace and give Him the praise He is worthy of, He promises you the Paradise of eternal life.

You can pray something life this, “Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Forgive me of my sins. Please come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. Take my life and make me who You want me to be and the courage and strength to go where you want me to go. Amen.”