Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Passport (07/25/05)
-
TITLE: The Bible Is Our Passport To Glory | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mike Valles
08/01/05 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The man glared at me through the open window of my small truck, demanding my "papers." Almost instantly I began to feel an uneasiness in my stomach. I knew he was not simply showing an attitude toward me - this border guard meant what he said. He wanted my passport, and I had none.
Behind me, the line of cars was long. This Canadian portal into the U.S. was heavily traveled. He had no time for discussion. He directed me to move my vehicle over to a nearby building, park it, and resolve the matter with those inside.
Being a U.S. citizen, I thought a passport was not needed. I did not need one to get in - but now, it seemed that leaving Canada was harder than it was to get in. Inside, a kinder and gentler spirit waited on me - what a relief. She gave me a little hope. Before long, the matter was settled and I was on my way back into the U.S.A.
It's such a little document, a passport - but it sure can open a lot of doors when it comes to traveling across borders. Or, a lack of one can cause those same doors to be tightly closed. This is just like the Bible and its power to open doors for the believer.
The first way that the Bible is like a passport is that it identifies the country from which we come. It shows the place of residence, and a picture. Travelers often complain about these photos. Consider for a moment the way we look to God. Our address (earth) tells Him that we have all been born of our father, Adam, that we have inherited his nature, his rebellion toward God, and his heritage - resulting in condemnation.
A passport also gives promise of an open door to another country. After we recognize we are born in the wrong country and have no natural right to go to a Heavenly One, we must apply for citizenship in the new desired Country. The Bible shows the way. It teaches us that if we will reject our first citizenship, by being sorry for the way we have lived - like a member of a fallen race, and ask Him directly for forgiveness, He will give it. Then, receive Christ into your heart and life as your only Savior, and He will give us the privilege to enter into that City - just as if we were a citizen! In John 1:12 (KJV), we have the promise: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
This wonderful Book is again like a passport in that it assures the citizen of access to official help when the need arises. In foreign countries, there are embassies to which citizens may go for help. Our passport, the Bible, also promises us an instant hearing from the Most High God Himself! What a privilege! Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) tells every citizen of Heaven to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
A final way that the Bible is like a passport is that it opens the door to be able to enjoy many of the privileges and benefits of the chosen country. It is exciting to travel and see new sights, to taste exotic foods, to meet the people, and to have new experiences. Many believers fail to understand this aspect of our passport. The Scriptures give access to wonderful promises of comfort, of peace, of constant love from our Savior, of guidance, and of provision. These things are part of the benefits of having a passport, but we need to use it more diligently, with careful obedience and faith.
Everything that we need to live for Him is provided for us - it's all there, in the Bible. Even faith, which overcomes the world, can be found by spending time in it: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Ro. 10:17 KJV). May our Father, the King of that Country to which we now travel, give us grace to know and experience daily "the hope of his calling, and ...the riches of the glory of his inheritance ...and the exceeding greatness of his power" (Eph. 1:18,19 KJV) toward every child of His!
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
