For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
— John 3:16 (KJV)

Where To?

Where is the next overseas destination you plan or hope to go to? Are you looking forward to going on your dream vacation, or maybe visiting a friend or family you have not seen for ages?

Even with the advanced communication methods available today, nothing beats seeing and catching up with a loved one face-to-face, enjoying one another’s presence. For some, returning home could also mean an opportunity for reconciliation or reunion.

Going back to where we originally came from is a good practice. It is quite an experience to visit the place of one’s birth and childhood. What precious memories! What warmth in the heart, and what desire to better relationships! Though short-lived, such moments are meaningful enough for us to seek them often. But alas, not everyone appreciates such a practice of home-going.

This is similar to the ignorance of those who do not realise where their spirits will one day return — to the God who gave them life.

Concerning the end of a man, the Holy Bible says: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). The human nature is quite different from the nature of animals. We find man worshipping while animals do no such thing. The Bible says that God created man after His own image and likeness. Man is restless until he finds rest in God. The spirit of a man must one day return to God to give an account of his activities in this world. He must return “home”.

The Bible says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Are you ready to return to God to give an account of your life? If God is a stranger to you and dying is an unwelcome thought, then don’t you think you should do something about it before that inevitable day comes?

The thought of meeting God is a dreadful one because we know deep in our hearts that we have done something terribly wrong against Him — we have deeply offended Him and dare not meet Him face-to-face.

The Bible, God’s Word, tells us that man has sinned against God by disobedience to His laws and commandments. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, ate the forbidden fruit in rebellion against the most high majesty of God. The human nature in them became corrupted and, henceforth, all their offspring have been conceived and born in sin. We are all children of Adam and Eve, and our own sinful natures testify of this dreadful fall of mankind into the horrible darkness of sin.

Nevertheless, the Bible also shows us God’s plan to save the human race from the eternal punishment of hell. Not all guilty, sinful human beings will be cast into hell. God has planned to save many and bring them to eternal glory in heaven. Being a just Governor of the universe, God cannot let the sins of men go unpunished. So, He planned from all eternity that He Himself would take the punishment of our sins upon Himself. In other words, He would bear the penalty of sins on behalf of those He determined to save.

So, God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. As a man, He died on the cross of Calvary to pay the debt of sin for mankind. Crucifixion was the capital punishment in those days, and Jesus died a criminal’s death although He had committed no sin Himself.

The merits Jesus gained in His death are more than enough to save the whole world from sin and destruction. God promised to save all who truly believe in Jesus Christ. But how can one believe in Jesus?

God commands men and women, boys and girls everywhere to repent of their sins and flee to Jesus Christ for salvation. This is the only hope for salvation and reconciliation with God and it is God’s own plan to reconcile men to Himself. Is your spirit ready to return to God? Are you reconciled to God?

The enemy of man’s soul is the devil. He would do his utmost to keep you away from the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, if you hear Jesus’ voice, do not harden your heart. Turn to Him and ask Him to save you from your sins. Jesus has promised that He will never cast out all who turn to Him.

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Do not delay in coming to Jesus. Nobody knows the day of his or her own death. Behold, now is the day of salvation. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Whenever you go traveling, may you be constantly reminded of your own life journey and consider where you are ultimately headed. While you reunite with friends and relatives, may you also be reminded of the need to get right with God. For if we are not right with Him, what hope do we have? “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation…” (Hebrews 2:3).