Hebrews 10:19 — “Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus ... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.”

 

Thousands of voices filled the Indiana State Convention Center with Luther’s great hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. The great choir of people praising God was a thrill, but I almost missed it.

Recently my husband and I attended a Bible conference in Indianapolis. Due to some prior commitments he arrived early, and I came later in the day.

Entering the sprawling Convention Center, I began my search for the main session, which was already in progress. My husband texted his location to me, and I strode along the corridors hoping to make it in time for the next speaker.

Taking a shortcut through the large area set up with vendor exhibits, I attempted to enter the auditorium when an attendant stopped me.

“Where’s your badge?” he said. “Ummm … My husband has it,” I stammered back.

“Well, you need to call him and get it before you can enter. Step aside, please.”

I was flustered as I tried to punch the message into my cell phone, “PLEASE bring my pass!” He answered back with explicit instructions as to where he was sitting.

“No, you don’t get it,” I typed. “They won’t let me in without the pass.”

In short order he showed up, handed me the pass, and I gained access to the proceeding within the auditorium.

Looking around I took in the thousands of attendees, each wearing an important pass around their necks.

These plastic cards proved they had paid their admission fee and allowed them entrance to the week’s events. Without their pass, they wouldn’t have had access to all that was offered.

I couldn’t help thinking that I would one day meet these people again in heaven. On that day we will also need a pass to enter. But instead of a plastic card, the blood of Christ will gain our admission.

Even now those who have allowed God to sprinkle their hearts clean can access God’s presence with full confidence.

I was so grateful to receive my conference pass so I could participate in this amazing event.

But I am even more grateful that my admission into God’s presence is secure because of what Christ did for me on the cross. His precious blood is the pass for all who believe.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God. I wonder if a great choir of tens of thousands will sing this hymn in heaven? If we do, I am sure it will be amazing. Make sure you don’t miss it.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com