Two little girls were walking home from school one day. They had never walked together before, because Jane was a new girl who had just moved into the little house at the and of the road. Suddenly Priscilla, the older girl, stopped in front of a large house, a very large one, a real mansion with beautiful grounds around it.
“Good-bye, Jane,” she said, “This is where I live.”
Jane’s eyes opened wide. “I don’t believe it,” she said
“Of course I do,” answered Priscilla.
“That’s my father’s house.”
“If you go right up to that front door, and walk in without knocking, then believe you,” said Jane.
And that’s just what Priscilla did. Her words were true, and she was quite at home there.
When your time comes, my friend, to say “good-by” to all your friends, have you got a home in heaven where you can go right in “without knocking,” because it is your Father’s house? Maybe you have often called God “our Father,” but the time is coming when your words will be put to the proof. Will God let you come right in to His home without knocking?
The Lord Jesus is God’s only begotten Son. He has a perfect right to all the glories of heaven. But He hung on the cross long ago, bearing God’s righteous judgment against sin, in order that you might be able to come to His heaven too. Now he is risen and glorified at God’s right hand, and you are welcome because He died for you, but not for any other reason. It is so easy to come to the Saviour of sinners.
Many, many souls are saying “good-by” to earth each day, but they cannot enter the gate of heaven. Why not? They bring other names and other reasons for their entry there, but no other name but the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will do. Only those who belong to Him can enter heaven “without knocking.”
Those who leave the question of their soul’s salvation until, too late are sure to be refused. “Outer darkness” will be their eternal doom. It is too late then for anyone to seek salvation, for God’s Word says, “Ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go ye cannot come.” John 8:2121Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. (John 8:21).
Janie went her way to her own little house. She couldn’t live in the big house with Priscilla. But she could put her trust in the Lord, Jesus, and enter heaven as one of God’s children, and so can you. Then you will be one of those to whom the Apostle Paul wrote: “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26).
ML 03/15/1953