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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Enter (02/27/06)
Prominently posted near the end of the exits ramps of the highway systems in the United States are signs giving final warning to motorists that they are headed in the wrong direction while attempting to access the highway system. Failing to heed these warnings can result in a head on collision with the traffic that is traveling in the correct direction.

In some areas, mechanical devices have been installed that will puncture and deflate the tires of any vehicles attempting to gain access by traveling in the wrong direction. As obvious to any sober person that this would mean that something is dramatically wrong, those operating under the influence of any mind-altering substances, may still attempt to continue on regardless!

The same can be said of the road to salvation. When an individual uses the correct “on” ramp (faith in the Person and Works of the Lord Jesus Christ), he/she finds access to the highway and merges with others who have already been traveling along the highway and headed for Heaven. Once on the highway, the motorists (born again believer) can reduce the chance of accidents and breakdowns along the way by having a well-maintained vehicle (soul structure) and a reliable map (The Bible) in order to avoid making wrong turns. Occasionally, we will need the services of a tow-truck and repairs (1John 1:9), but never the less are assured (eternal security) that we would in fact reach our intended destination (Heaven).

On the other hand, any attempt to gain access by any other means (religion/human good) other than the “on” ramp that God has provided will result in a continuous conflict with oncoming traffic (grace believers) with the potential of being involved in a fatal head on collision (never being born again) and thus failing to reach the intended destination (Heaven).

When a motorist traveling in the wrong direction is fortunate enough not to encounter any oncoming traffic, the first clue that a serious error has been made is that he/she is looking at the backside of all the road signs, and that in order to read them, he/she must change directions. In the spiritual realm, one must “turn around” (repent) in order to be re-directed (saved) and then able (filling of the Spirit) to read the signs (understand and apply Bible doctrines).

The influence of human viewpoint, tradition, religion, and our “hostile (Rom. 8:7NIV)” fallen natures can persuade us to ignore all the warning signs and devices just as an motorist under the influence of a mind altering substance can be oblivious to signs, devices, and the warning horns of other motorist trying to get their attention.

Sincerely believing that one is headed in the right direction does NOT make it so. Cain was just as sincere as Abel was in his worship of God, but his sacrifice was rejected (Gen. 4: 2-5).

Men, prone to be proud and self-reliant, will not stop and ask for directions. Woman, prone to deception, are willing to ask, but will accept “directions” from unreliable sources.

Satan will do all that he can to distract us from seeing the WRONG WAY and DO NOT ENTER signs on what may otherwise appear to be “ on ramps” to the road of salvation. Once saved, He will do all that he can to have us question (eternal security) our chosen course of direction. We cannot enjoy the trip if we spend our time worrying if we really are going to reach our destination (John 8: 32).

Once we are on the road and traveling in the right direction, he cannot stop us from ultimately reaching our destination. However, he can influence us to make a lot of wrong turns, hit many potholes, and fail to maintain our vehicles (soul structure) so that we can be of little help and may even hinder others who are “ lost” or “wandering” along the same roadway.

Just as operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances can lead to disaster in the natural realm, so can operating under the influence of religion and/or human good blind one from seeing and heeding the DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY signs posted at all the “other ways” that Satan’s “bum steers” would have individuals follow (John 10:1/Matthew 7: 13, 14) in futile attempts to access or travel along the road to Heaven.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Virginia Gorg
03/10/06
The message is good, but this was a bit hard to read with all the words in parenthesis. I'm not sure if they were needed as the message spoke for itself. Nicely done overall.