…I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2

Our friends told of an unexpected adventure on their vacation while in southwest Oregon. They were staying in Grants Pass and traveled west to Gold Beach. After checking a map of the area, they determined to return a different route. And so, they headed toward Agness. As they traveled, they passed a sign indicating Agness was straight ahead. The further they went, however, the worse the road conditions became. First the two-lane road became extremely curvy.  Eventually, it turned into a one-lane road, which led straight to the sign in the picture above: This is it! Agness. Welcome. Population: small. What you can’t tell from the picture above is that the road was a dead end. There was no city; there was nothing but trees.The road they had been traveling led to nowhere. As they turned around, they saw another sign that said, “Come back!”

While we all laughed at their adventure, this scenario spiritually describes many people. They are following man-made directions, philosophies, or religions that promise a desirable destination. Many believe they are on a road to heaven; but instead, they are on a road that leads to a spiritual dead end. In reality, they are not on a road that leads to God. They are on a road that leads away from God and all that is eternally good. 

God has given ultra clear directions on how to be with Him eternally. Jesus is the one way to the Father. (John 14:6)  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). And so, salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone. 

Upon what road are you traveling? Where are you headed—toward God or away from Him? God declares that now is the time of His favor and the day of salvation. Will you trust His way of salvation through faith in Jesus?

Jan Burkhart