Marvin L. Weir
This world is not our home! But there is a home that awaits us. 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” (Heb. 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 glamor this world offers.
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 (Heb. 11:8-10). 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 Sam. 12:23). As Stephen was being stoned, 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 complemented their desire. A godly life is not without a high price tag! Do you really want to go to heaven? 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” (Matt. 6:33). The Master again taught, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:15 ASV).
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” (Matt. 12:30 ASV). There is only one way that leads home to God! The apostle Paul makes it clear that there is only one church or body (Eph. 4:4). There is only one book (the Bible) that is God’s guide and standard of authority (2 Tim. 3:1617). 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 Tim. 2:5 ASV).
The one way home is the narrow way that only a few care to travel (Matt. 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 (Eph. 5:23).
The way home is simple! First, man must be willing to “deny himself” (Matt. 16:24). The majority 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 (1 Tim. 2:10) and one only “puts on Christ” in the act of baptism (immersion, a burial, Rom. 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).
Do you know where the road leads that you are traveling? Only the Bible tells us the way home! Make a decision—consult the Bible while it is yet today.
