When checking into a hotel, or motel, probably the first question I am asked is, “Do you have a reservation?” I have lost track of the times a hotel or motel reservation was made in my name for either a business trip or vacation, and I have always used a credit card to guarantee the room will be waiting for me in case, I am checking in late for some reason.
A reservation, in simple terms, is simply an arrangement made beforehand or something booked in advance, same thing.
Not everyone makes reservations. Either they don’t have the time, or maybe they feel they can find a room easily enough without one. Maybe they’re free-spirited and just like to travel, not really knowing where they’ll wind up. Whatever the reason, they take a chance and hope it works out, and as far as hotel and motel rooms go, it often does work out just fine. However, when it comes to our eternal destination, there must be a reservation for your “room,” or there will be no room … for you.
We know that Jesus is currently in Heaven preparing a place for all who come to Him.
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
In the translation I used, the Greek word for “dwelling places” is translated “mansions.” Some Christians get mad and pout when other translations use “rooms” or “dwelling places” instead of “mansions.” All I can say is, quit sniveling and get a life. If you think a “room” in the Father’s house isn’t good enough for you, I can’t wait to hear you tell Him that. Nevertheless, the term actually means “dwellings,” but I am going to use “room” to make my point.
When making a reservation, one always calls ahead to make the booking, so as not to lose the opportunity to obtain a room. If one waits too long, the room may be snatched up by someone else. Once the reservation has been made, your room is “set aside” just for you and will be available upon your arrival.
Over the last nearly 2,000 years, millions have made a reservation for a room in the Father’s house. Unlike earthly reservations, this reservation is very unique. For example:
None will ever be turned away who called in. Until Jesus returns in the Rapture, there is always an available room. After that, “sorry, we’re full up.”
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in [emphasis mine].” (Romans 11:25)
There are no room fees or other charges, hidden or otherwise. You’ve heard the term, “your money is no good?” For the Heavenly reservation, all has been paid ahead. You and I have no credit of our own, only that which comes from the Son of God. All privileges have been paid ahead.
Prior to the cross, the Heavenly Father charged all of our expenses to His Son and signed the agreement with a bloody seal (Read of the Tabernacle). At the cross the debt was paid in full and proof was documented three days later at the empty tomb.
“13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [emphasis mine] 15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:13-14)
“3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day [emphasis mine]according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Every reservation has been guaranteed personally by the Father. He promised that if you and I would call His Son for a reservation, He would provide the room and guarantee it by His own credit card, the Holy Spirit. How about that? The owner of the establishment has placed His own Seal of guarantee, the Holy Spirit, upon it. Our name is on the hotel register. Our spot is ready and guaranteed by God Himself.
“Who hath also sealed [emphasis mine] us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Corinthians 1:22)
“13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed [emphasis mine] with that holy Spirit of promise,14Which is the earnest [pledge or down payment-emphasis mine] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed[emphasis mine] unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
Think about this. Right now, as you’re reading this article, if you are a child of God, there is a room in the Father’s house with your name on it, and it isn’t just for a week’s stay, like a vacation or business conference. It is for eternity.
I mentioned earlier those who like to fly by the seat of their pants and try to find a room when they reach their destination. That’s perfectly fine while we are here on earth, but when considering our eternal destination that would be an eternal death sentence. The only way to have a room reserved for you in Heaven is to call ahead while alive on this earth. All are free to choose while living in this earthly body, but once the last gasp of air leaves our earthly body in death, the decision has been settled, and likewise, the destination.
All has been made possible for us by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Holy Son of God. Through Him, our reservation in Heaven is secure. Without Him, we are damned. Make your reservation today.
Grant Phillips