They say that once you’ve left, you can’t go back. They say that once you’ve said it, you can’t un-say it. They say once you’ve done it, you can’t un-do it. They say … well, you see where I’m going with this.
I don’t pretend to be a philosophical giant. The mind games of philosophy are writhe with every nuance of possibilities not known or seen, and I simply can’t compete at that level. I’m more a meat-and-potatoes kind of philosopher. One who accepts that there are indeed things I cannot know or see, yet I can KNOW the ONE who sees and knows all things.
There are those who want to convince us that when it’s over, it’s just over. That life will never be anything more than what it is today. They say you can’t go back, and there’s nothing after this, so today, right now is the most important moment you live. This ticket really leads to hedonism. Since most after-life philosophies are tied directly or indirectly to moral consequences of our actions in this life, if there’s nothing after this, morality and social mores go out the window, and everyone is entitled to do whatever they want.
Every religion and philosophical system in the world has some merits of goodness in them I suppose, some type of morality, or social or cultural focus, that causes men and women to become consumed by its teachings. However, this ticket to the afterlife has no guarantees, because most of these systems are based in what you “do.” Meaning if you simply “do” enough of the right things, then when you cross over into the afterlife, some form of heaven or nirvana will be yours. There is only one problem here. How does a person ever really know if they have “done” enough to actually get there?
Christmas is more than just a season. This holiday allows truth seekers another chance every year to hear and listen while the true story is told of the “One-Way Ticket.” I realize that my personal philosophy and belief system is based in believing that the Bible is absolute truth. That said, I would be remiss if I tried saying anything at all about the afterlife designed for humanity, if it contradicted what is written in God’s Word.
So here’s the simple truth (the meat-and-potatoes truth) of what’s in our future.
The One-Way Ticket: Baby
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23
… which translated means, “GOD WITH US.”
Matthew 1:21
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
The One-Way Ticket: Man
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
Acts 4:12
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
The One-Way Ticket: King
Revelation 22:20
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
It’s all there in six verses. The way, the truth, and the life after this one, are all based on a one-way ticket, whose name is Jesus.
But don’t miss out on the real reason for His coming, as a baby, man, and King.
John 10:10
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
This Christmas you may discover, if you commit to these simple truths, that this life right here and now can take on new meaning. If your future is secure in Jesus Christ, then focus now on making this life all that Jesus designed for it to be. Prove the hedonist and the workaholic religious fanatics wrong. Enjoy the freedom that comes in knowing “God with us” and share His love in tangible ways that speak of God’s truth, and bring Him glory.
As I was saying... 