What metrics would you use to determine the most coveted passport in the world?
For some, it might be the passport that would allow them to get to that one country of their dreams without requiring a special travel visa. For those who travel extensively around the world, it would be a passport that is hassle-free for the maximum number of countries without requiring special approval. An added complexity to travel now and perhaps into the foreseeable future is the metric of COVID vaccination and the status of travellers. Some countries are now requiring a Vaccine Passport.
Henley and Partners is a consulting firm based in the United Kingdom. Since 2006 they have been publishing the Henley Passport Index. They regularly monitor the world’s most travel-friendly passports and publish their rankings. As of 2021, Japan held top place for the passport that was accepted by the most countries of the world, 193 destinations. The Afghanistan passport ranked last. It is accepted by 26 countries.
Arton Capital also manages a passport ranking site. It features a realtime ranking based on any changes made to visa requirements or other metrics.
After carefully reviewing both the Henley Passport Index and Arton Capital’s Index, neither listed the destination that is most desired by the most people. Even those who possess the highest-ranking Japanese passport are unable to use their passport’s respected status to enter the destination preferred by most - Heaven.
Many believe Heaven is a real destination beyond death. Others who deny its existence will admit: “If there is life beyond death and should there happen to be a place called Heaven, of course I would like to be there!” The Bible is unmistakably clear about two destinations after death: Heaven and Hell. Heaven is the dwelling place of God. Jesus said: “For I have come down from Heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).
The Lord Jesus returned to Heaven after His death on the Cross for our sins. He died, He was buried, and He was raised from the dead. Eyewitness accounts of those who saw Him post-resurrection exceeded five hundred. But then from a place called the Mount of Olives, the disciples of Jesus watched Him ascend – until a cloud received Him out of their sight. As they continued to stare at the sky, Luke recorded that Heavenly messengers spoke to the disciples: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven” (Acts 1:11).
Yes, Heaven is a real destination after death.
The question for you is – do you have a passport to enter Heaven?
There’s an insightful narrative recorded in the Bible. One night, a very sincere religious man who practised his faith diligently was shocked to learn that despite his credentials, he did not have the passport required for Heaven. Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God… Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again’” (John 3:3,5,7).
For Heaven, you require the New Birth passport. Jesus was very specific and emphatic when he was speaking to the devoutly religious man. There are no substitutes for the New Birth Passport.
Jesus said: “You must be born again” (John 3:7). The Lord Jesus told His disciples that He, Himself, was the only way to Heaven – the Father’s House. Jesus also said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
Those with Heaven’s passport do not have something to carry but have a personal, precious and precise moment when they consciously accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
The uplifting news is that those who may never qualify for the coveted passports of Earth, qualify for Heaven’s passport. There is no bureaucratic red tape to delay the process. There are no legal hoops to complicate matters. You could have, today, the world’s most powerful passport – the passport that allows you to be in Heaven – no questions asked.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Heaven’s passport is free to you but very costly to the One who made it possible. The Apostle Peter emphasized the cost was far beyond the currency of silver and gold. He said the cost was “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:9).
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