I stood on the platform of life, as the last train for heaven was about to board its passengers. The platform was filled with happy, smiling people anticipating their journey. I was rather apprehensive about boarding, wondering if there would be room for me. The station master, seeing my hesitation, said, “Come along, sir, I will take you to your seat.” He led me to a seat especially reserved for me with my name on it. He smiled at my surprise, and said, “All seats are reserved on this train.”

I settled into my seat and dozed off as the journey started. I was awakened when the train went through the Tunnel of Pride. A fear took hold of me. Would the finger of pride point me out as one of its regular customers? There had been so much pride in my life that I felt sure it would accuse me. The conductor could see I was disturbed and reassured me that no one was ever put off the train for heaven. When I confided in him about my fear, he said, “No one is on this train because he deserves it. You are here, not because of righteous things you have done, but because of God's mercy.”

I knew this, but I needed to be reminded of it often.

Soon, we were out of the tunnel and traveling through a flat plain. The fields looked lovely, but they were spiritually ugly. Fields of lust, lies, and jealousy once again served to remind me of my sin. How could I be on the way to heaven with such terrible things in my life? The conductor once again came to my help by reminding me that the blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin.

Why did I forget so essential a truth? My peace returned as I began to think of the amazing grace of God that had saved me. I talked to the other passengers and we soon discovered that none of us had bought a ticket for the journey. All the costs had been met by the Lord Jesus Christ. Together we began to praise him for such love and mercy. As we did, doubts and uncertainties vanished. Our trust and confidence were strengthened in what Jesus had done for us.

Meanwhile, back on the platform, another group of people was gathering. One man seemed to epitomize them all. He took an enormous amount of baggage with him. Surrounding him were dozens of cases filled with his sin. “Is that all mine?” he asked. He was told yes, and there was even more. Two trucks of cases and trunks then arrived. The stench of the sin contained in them even sickened their owner.

One case, in particular, had a foul smell. It was labeled “unbelief.” The man looked at it and wept. He remembered all the occasions when the way to heaven had been shown him. His thoughts went back to the many times when the gospel of Jesus was told him, but he had rejected it with arrogant unbelief.

and the next train for hell.

****************************

The above story is only a parable, but it reflects the truth for every one of us. Which train are you going on? If you were honest with yourself, you would admit that you are not as good as you would like to be. If that is true by your standards, what do you think you are by God's standards?

By God's standards...

Like the man with the baggage, you have missed the train to heaven. The situation of the sinner before the Holy God is hopeless, and it would remain so apart from the grace of God. God's answer to our sin is Jesus. He alone is the Saviour who can take our sin away and purchase for us a full forgiveness and salvation. You need Jesus and you need Him today. The matter is urgent, so pray to Him for pardon and ask for mercy.

The last train for heaven has not yet departed, and there is room on it for you if know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. Get your seat reserved now.