No one wants it to happen. People travel purposefully not aimlessly. When they set out, they have a desired destination in mind.
For many people, their dream destination may be on their bucket list for years. Eventually, everything comes together, and they embark on their once-in-a-lifetime trip to the destination of their dreams. No one envisions a destination other than the one they have planned.
When you prepare for a cruise to the balmy Bahamas in the winter, the furthest thought from your mind is shivering in the cold and being bundled up in thermal clothing. And yet, the passengers onboard one cruise ship had to face that harsh reality. They found themselves rushing to buy gloves, sweaters and winter coats to shield themselves from the bitter cold of a northeastern Canadian destination rather than sailing into the Bahamas. Spiritually, I thought of people expecting to arrive at one eternal destination after death but finding themselves in quite another place.
In fairness to the cruise line, they did give their passengers 24-hour notice before leaving the port. Unusual stormy weather caused the last-minute diversion to Canada. The Bahamas destination was no longer possible. It’s an understatement to say the last-minute change left the passengers scrambling, and many of them deeply disappointed.
The cruise line said it offered options for those who were not happy with the late change in plans and the new destination. But some passengers didn’t read the small print, and others who did, said it was too late to change.
Spiritually, we are sailing through life. When people think of their final destination, they imagine their little ship docking at Port Heaven – a place of eternal peace, happiness and beautiful activity that transcends anything ever experienced on Earth. But not everyone disembarks in Heaven. Jesus was very clear about that. The Bible teaches that far too many needlessly arrive at the wrong port – the unwanted destination.
Photo credit: Joesboy
The beautiful message of the Bible is that absolutely no one should miss Port Heaven. Those who do, have tragically ignored, avoided, or turned down the most incredible gift of eternal life through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Christ paid the full fare to Heaven. When Jesus died for our sins on the Cross, He made it possible for even the worst sinner to experience complete forgiveness and a sure home in Heaven.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
God’s gift of eternal life (which includes a present ongoing beautiful relationship with Him in this life, and Heaven afterwards) is completely a gift. No one earns merit or travel points for Heaven. Good works, sincere religious practices, baptism, or anything else are not part of God’s equation for you to be granted eternal life.
“This life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11).
It is “not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:9).
He saved us “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy” (Titus 3:5).
There is no small print in the Bible that allows for exceptions, unforeseen circumstances, and uncontrollable factors. Repeatedly, the Bible confirms that eternal life and Heaven do not depend on our performance or human effort or how religious we are. The moment any sinner turns to Christ for forgiveness and salvation, God saves them without exception. Every person (including you) qualifies for God’s eternal salvation.
Once a sinner turns from their sins and trusts Christ, He is their security. Nothing can ever sever that relationship or cause insecurity. Bad weather may disrupt and reroute a cruise ship – but nothing can change or cancel the security you will have in Christ the moment you turn to Him in faith.
After the last breath has been taken, a person’s destination is sealed for the eternal ages. Prayers for the dead will never change their eternal destination. Where you will be forever is determined by the choice you make in this life about Jesus Christ – and nothing else. There are no reruns or second chances afterwards. God doesn’t reconsider anyone’s case after death. There are no appeals.
“Prepare to meet your God” (Amos 4:12).
In this life, God’s reservation line is open and fully operational 24/7. Even the faintest cry of a broken heart registers in Heaven. You will never be put on hold or be required to listen to a recording. God is prepared to do business with you and grant you a fully paid reservation when you call.
“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Share this Post
