Boarding pass for the Kingdom of God

At the airport there was an information board saying: Please print out your boarding pass, otherwise you may have to pay a fine or you may be refused boarding. This warning made me very nervous. I kept reaching for my printed boarding pass in my hand luggage to make sure that it was still there!

I wonder how nerve-wracking the journey to God's kingdom must be. Do we have to prepare our luggage according to precise specifications and provide the correct documents? Will there be an attentive check-in agent who is willing to remove my name from the flight list if I don't meet all of the requirements?

The truth is, we don't need to worry because Jesus has taken care of everything for us: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new life. We are born again because Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and now we are filled with a living hope. It is the hope of an eternal inheritance, untainted by sin and indestructible, which God has prepared for you in his kingdom.” (1. Petr 1,3-4).

The Christian Pentecost reminds us of our glorious future in Christ in his kingdom. There is no need to worry. Jesus did everything for us. He made the reservation and paid the price. He gives us a guarantee and prepares us to be with him forever.
The first readers of 1 Peter lived in uncertain times. Life was unjust, and in some places there was persecution. But the believers were certain of one thing: “Until then, God will protect you by his power because you trust in him. And so you will finally experience his salvation, which will be revealed to everyone at the end of the time.” (1. Petr 1,5).

We learn of our salvation, which will be revealed at the end of time! God preserves us until then through his power. Jesus' faithfulness is so great that he has reserved a place for us in the Kingdom of God: "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you?" (Joh 14,2).

The Epistle to the Hebrews, according to the Hope for All Bible translation, points out that we are registered in heaven, that is, in the Kingdom of God. “You are among his children whom he has especially blessed, and whose names are written in heaven. You have fled for refuge in God, who will judge all people. You belong to the same great community as all these exemplary figures of faith who have already reached their goal and have received God’s approval.” (Hebr 12,23).
After Jesus' ascension, Jesus and God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. The Holy Spirit not only continues the work of Christ's mighty kingdom in us, but he is also the "guarantee of our inheritance": "He is the guarantee of our inheritance until our redemption, that we may become his possession, to the praise of his glory." (Eph 1,14).
Perhaps you remember the song "Sentimental Journey" by Doris Day, Ringo Starr, and other singers. Of course, our future with God is so much more than a series of memories and hopeful expectations: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, what no human heart has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him." (1. Kor 2,9).

However you feel on your journey towards the Kingdom of God, do not let contradictory statements unsettle you and do not make you nervous as I was. Be confident that you have your reservation safely in your pocket. Like children, you can look forward to the fact that you are on board in Christ.

by James Henderson