Certainly most of us remember a situation during a train ride where an official came into our section and called with a loud voice: “Good day – ticket control! Please show your tickets!”
When we have our ticket and can easily produce it, we can be completely at ease and have no reason to be afraid of the official. But if we are unable to present a valid ticket, it becomes a highly uncomfortable situation. It does not help to utter an excuse about having misplaced, forgotten, or lost the purchased ticket. Regardless of the excuse, a fine must be paid.
It is of far greater importance to have a valid “ticket” for heaven. We find ourselves on a figurative trip to heaven. Most people wish to make it to heaven one day. You too, right? How many people feel content and at ease because they live a moral life, do good works, and maybe even attend church? These things are valuable, but they are not enough. One day you and I will be asked to present a “ticket” at the most important ticket control. It may come suddenly and as a surprise. This means that your life may come to an end unexpectedly. Without a ticket you will face an impending punishment – the unending torture of hell. The good news is that you still have an opportunity to receive this ticket today!
What is the pass for heaven? Jesus gives us a clear answer in John 3:3: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” By this He means that we should leave our old life full of sin, guilt, and discontentment, and follow after Him. He wants to make a covenant of peace with us. Jesus freely gives us this peace when we ask Him for it. In John 14:27, Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you…” Nowhere on earth can we find this peace. Only Jesus was able to pay the price through His redeeming blood on the cross. Do you have real peace with God? Do you make an effort every day to protect this peace? Or did you lose it a long time ago? If you no longer have this peace in your heart or have never sought for it, then make every effort to receive it. Think about it – any moment you could be asked to show proof of it. Otherwise you are riding as a passenger who doesn’t have a ticket. You can simply receive this ticket by asking God to forgive your sins and by choosing to begin a new life. On some train doors a sign is posted that says: “Valid ticket needed for entry!” Do not make this decision for God a half-hearted one, but rather make it a whole-hearted new beginning. I heartily wish you this peace with God!
D. G.
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