Safety is a major concern in every area of our lives. The processing of food and purification of water are closely monitored to ensure freedom from contamination. Factories are constantly concerned with safety standards for their employees. Automobile manufacturers install air bags and seatbelts to minimize passenger injuries.
New safety features introduced into the general aviation field have allowed for the production of the Ballistic Recovery System for aircraft and occupants in the event of catastrophic failure. It has been proven that fitting parachutes to airplanes can prevent loss of life.
One life was lost that should have been saved. Tom,* a professional pilot, heard of the BRS. He realized its potential for saving his life, so ordered one for his new airplane. When it arrived, he stored it in his garage, intending to have it installed as soon as it was convenient. Sadly, that time never arrived. One beautiful morning the temptation to fly his aircraft without a safety unit was too great. While enjoying his flight, a wing spar broke and he went down to his death, with his recovery system still in its package in his garage.
Is there something on a bookshelf or hidden away in some corner of your home that could be used in the saving of your life - not for time, but for eternity? Because of our sin, we are all “catastrophic failures” in God’s sight. We can never make ourselves fit for Heaven, but God, in His great love and mercy, made a way by which He could save us. That little Bible that you received as a Sunday School prize, or as a gift, contains the written Word of God. Unlike the parachute safety device that is only available for some smaller aircraft, the Bible has a plan of salvation for all. “He that heareth my Word, and believeth on Him that send Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is past from death unto life” (John 5:24).
When the Lord Jesus Christ died and bore the punishment for our sin, God’s righteous demands were satisfied, and He now offers a way of escape from the judgment we deserve to any who will accept His Son as their Saviour. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).
Don’t be like Tom and wait until a more convenient time to prepare for the future. That time might never come.
*Not his real name
Photo courtesy of BRS
