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The way home is still the same as it was in 1999. The turn of the century has not changed a
single one of man's spiritual obligations to God. The validity of God's message has not changed
since Paul said, "For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the
Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20 ASV).
The faithful child of God knows that he is a stranger or sojourner in this world. The Bible makes this very clear in saying, "For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philipians 3:20 ASV). This earth is not our home! The writer of Hebrews said, "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13 ASV). Spiritually speaking, these faithful of old were "strangers and pilgrims" in the same sense as we are. God's loyal servant will not become attached to the glitter and glamour this world offers to those who will conform to its ways (cf. Romans 12:2). Regarding a Christian not becoming attached to this world, listen to the words of Adam Clarke. "How many use these expressions, professing to be strangers and pilgrims here below, and yet the whole of their conduct, spirit, and attachments, show that they are perfectly at home! How little consideration and weight are in many of our professions, whether they relate to earth or heaven!" One must desire to go to heaven! Abraham willingly left his family and friends to do God's bidding (Hebrews 10:11). David knew that his dead son could not come back to earth, but that he could one day go to be with his son (2 Samuel 12:23). As Stephen was being stoned to death he knew his soul was about to begin its journey to a far better place of abode (Acts 7:59). These Bible characters desired to go to heaven and their lives and actions while on this earth complimented their desire. A godly life is not without a high price tag! Do you really desire to go to heaven? Are you willing to pay the necessary price? One must decide to go to heaven! Will our place of eternal abode be heaven or hell? We decide now what we will receive then. A person will not accidentally find himself in heaven in the hereafter. It will require commitment, steadfastness, loyalty and allegiance to Christ and His church. Jesus said, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33 ASV). The Master again taught, "If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments" (John 14:15 ASV). To go to Heaven a Christian must be "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..." (1 Corinthians 15:58). Many are convinced that if they make no decision they remain neutral. Jesus shows the error of such thinking by saying, "He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth" (Matthew 12:30). There is only one way that leads home to God! The apostle Paul makes it clear that there is only one church or body (Ephesians 4:4). There is only one book (Bible) that is God's guide and standard of authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There is only one Mediator to intercede for and plead man's case. Paul reminded Timothy, "For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5 ASV). The one way home to Heaven is the narrow way that only a few care to travel (Matthew 7:13-14). It is true that man made creeds declare that people can please God by attending the "church of their choice," but the Bible still says Christ will save only His body (Ephesians 5:23). And, it is clear that the Lord's body is His church (Ephesians 1:22-23). The way home is simple to understand! First, man must be willing to "deny himself" (Matthew 16:24). The majority of people have no desire to pay such a price. Second, a person must obey the gospel and put on Christ. Most believe people can be saved without baptism. But salvation is in Christ (2 Timothy 2:10), and one only "puts on Christ" (Galatians 3:27) in the act of baptism (immersion, a burial, Romans 6:4). Third, one must make the decision to continue to abide in Christ. One desiring to go to heaven will continue to "walk in the light as he is in the light" (1 John 1:7). Some, never having died to the old man and the love of this world, choose to "walk disorderly" (2 Thessalonians 3:11). Those desiring to go to heaven will walk according to the "rule" [the law of Christ, all of it] (Galatians 6:16). Do you know where the road leads that you are traveling? Only the Bible tells us the way home! Make a decision to travel the way home while there is still time and consult the Bible for correct directions while it is yet today (2 Corinthians 6:2)! |