TIGHT SECURITY

Why has air travel become so frustrating? Why do we have to be
at the airport hours before departure time? Why do we have to
remove our shoes, hats and so forth when going through airport
security? And why can’t we take drinks or food through security?
The answer is simple. The government is trying to ensure that
no individual with evil intentions (terrorists) is allowed on an
airplane. In short, it is a way of securing our safety. I am sure the
bad guys have not given up yet; they are still trying, and hoping
that one of these days, they’d succeed.

Recently, at a White House Dinner Party, an uninvited couple
was able to get through security, and mingle with guests. When
questioned they made up stories like, they had forgotten to bring
their invitation, etc. They posed for pictures with dignitaries, and
had a good time. So apparently, tight security in places does not
guarantee that the uninvited would be kept out. It is still possible
for the uninvited to go through security without being stopped or
identified as uninvited guests, regardless of their intentions, until
it is too late.

There is one place though that a guest without the proper
credentials cannot bypass security, unnoticed. Look at this verse
with me, “If anyone’s name was not found in the book of life, he
was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). No one can sneak into
heaven! There’s not going to be an issue of oversight, mix ups, or
excuses. Either your name is, or is not in the book of life. This is
a very crucial issue.

How does one get his or her name in the Book of life? No
name will get there by chance, or by being God’s favorite. God
is not in the business of playing favoritism. Jesus said to his
disciples, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my
brother, and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50 NIV). Also, Jesus promised
to acknowledge before the Father, those who acknowledge Him
before men; likewise, to disown before the Father, those who
disown Him before men (see Matthew 10:32-33).

Names are placed in the Book of life intentionally, for
one reason only. “I tell you the truth; whoever hears my word
and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be
condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24 NIV). So as
you see, it is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ that one
is saved. It is also important to note that the Book of life does not
have names of groups. Hence no one can be written in the Book
of life because they belong to a particular Church, family, school
or denomination. Each one is on his or her own. Each one has to
come to Christ as an individual. No one can wish himself/herself
into heaven; no one can do enough good deeds to qualify getting
into heaven.

This is the assurance the believer has that his/her name is in
the Book of life, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for
those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the
law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death”
(Romans 8:1-2 NIV); “I write these things to you who believe in the name of
the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13 NIV).

Would you like to get into heaven? Did you say, “Yes”? How
do you plan to get there? Are you hoping to sneak by security
somehow? That will not work. The only thing that will work is
repentance and faith in Jesus. Accept Jesus as your personal Savior
today. Jesus Christ is the only Way! Guaranteed!