Ultimate Salvation

One of the verses from the beloved hymn Amazing Grace says, "Through many, dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. Tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home." How true are His words from Psalm 50, "Call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will honor me." This is allegorically demonstrated in the well-beloved centuries-old classic Pilgrims Progress as Christian and his companion make their way from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City and face many trials and deliverances along the way. If you haven't read the book, it is a definite MUST for any true pilgrim. Read as they battle the Giant of Despair and escape from Vanity Fair and many other adventures figurative of the life of a christian pilgrim.

The reason we pilgrims have hope in this world's valley of the shadow of death is that it has been granted unto us ultimate salvation; true deliverance in the cross of Christ: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Though we live in a realm destined for destruction, our hope and faith are in "Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath" (1 Thessalonians 1:10):

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:10-13)

All of my trials and hardships that I face are temporary. If my road is weary in this life but I inherit everlasting life in eternity then how can I be dismayed. If my way is easy in this life but I perish in chains of darkness in the forever, how can I really be happy in the here and now?

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26

Think about eternity. That's what really matters! Enter through the door that leads to eternal life: the Lord Jesus.