An itinerary for the afterlife

One of the great benefits of our modern world is that international travel is becoming a lot more affordable, thereby allowing more people every year to explore the wonders of foreign climes.

But, as every tourist knows all too well, the success of travel abroad is very much dependent on how well an itinerary is planned. Air tickets, hotels, cruises, car hire and sightseeing excursions need to be booked in advance.

As an aside, have you ever wondered about the difference between a tourist and a traveller? Apparently a tourist is someone who goes on packaged, guided holidays, while a traveller is someone who does his or her own thing.

Anyway, this all got me thinking about the most important journey any human being can make — that final journey to heaven. I started looking around for an itinerary for this particular trip, not expecting to find anything. So I was very surprised when I found this fascinating article on a Baptist website in the United States, headed “HEAVEN—PLANNING YOUR TRIP”.

1. ACCOMMODATION
Arrangements for first-class accommodation have been made in advance. “In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2)

2. PASSPORTS
Persons seeking entry will not be permitted past the gates without having proper papers/credentials and having their names registered with the ruling authority. “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

3. DEPARTURE TIMES
The exact date of departure has not been announced. Travellers are advised to be prepared to leave at short notice. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1:7).

4. TICKETS
Your ticket is a written pledge that guarantees your journey. It should be claimed and its promises kept firmly in hand. “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

5. CUSTOMS
Only one declaration is required while going through customs. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

6. IMMIGRATION
All passengers are classified as immigrants, since they are taking up permanent residence in a new country. The quota is unlimited. “…they were longing for a better country…a heavenly one…he has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16).

7. LUGGAGE
No luggage whatsoever is necessary. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).

8. AIR PASSAGE
Travellers going directly by air are advised to watch daily for indications of imminent departure. “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

9. VACCINATION AND INOCULATION
Injections are not needed, as diseases are unknown at the destination. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:4).

10. CURRENCY
Supplies of the following currency may be forwarded ahead to await the passenger’s arrival. Deposit your heart, mind, soul and life. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20).

11. CLOTHING
A complete and appropriate new wardrobe is provided for each traveller. “For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).

12. TIME CHANGES
Resetting of watches will not be necessary. “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp…for there will be no night there” (Revelation 21:23,25).

13. RESERVATIONS
Booking is now open. Apply at once. “…now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

14. CORONATION CEREMONY
The highlight of the journey is the welcoming reception and coronation which await the arrival. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8)
I found it interesting that, unlike any other form of travel, this trip appears to be entirely free of charge.