By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
My husband Gerry is a savvy traveler. Because his job requires him to travel over 200 days a year, Delta Airlines has bestowed upon him a “platinum” flying status. His elite standing provides him with various perks and travel conveniences the average traveler does not receive. After many years of sacrifice, hard work, and plenty of headaches, my husband’s premier ranking is a blessing.
Whenever my husband and I fly together, I get to benefit from those perks. For instance, I don’t have to pay extra for checked luggage, I get to go through a special security-check line without waiting, and I get to sit in the Crown Room while waiting for a flight. Sometimes I even get upgraded to first class seating. My husband made all the sacrifices, yet I get to benefit. How cool is that! I did absolutely nothing to earn or deserve these advantages, but I get to profit simply because I’m with him.
As a Christian, I get to benefit from something else that I did nothing to deserve – eternal life in heaven. Jesus paid my way to get there. It cost me nothing – but it cost Him plenty!
“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.” (John 19:23)
On the cross, Jesus gave everything. All was stripped away – even His clothes. He was betrayed, humiliated, beaten, and abandoned. Although He was completely innocent, He never once tried to defend Himself. He willingly went to the cross so that you and I wouldn’t have to face the penalty we deserve.
“…Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30)
Jesus sacrificed His life and so much more, all to ensure that we could be with Him in heaven.
“Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:18-19)
Believe and receive. It’s really that simple!
When we get to heaven we need only to say, “Please excuse me – I’m with Him.”
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8)
