The Heavenly Guide

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 9
 
Those who travel in unknown and foreign lands, often employ a guide to direct them, and to point out the features of special interest. Were it not for this, they might lose their way and the journey end disastrously.
No less needful is it for us to have a sure and certain guide, as we pass through this world which is strewn with many dangers and pitfalls. This unfailing guide is the Word of God—the Bible, which contains all we need.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105).
It is as though we were passing through a rough country on a dark night, and we could see a flaming light on a distant hill. That would be a “Light to my path,” as it would mark the end of the way. But with the roughness of the intervening space, one might have many a painful fall, were it not for the “Lamp to my feet.” A lantern is often used in traveling on foot, so that one may see to take each step.
Not only is the end of the way marked out in the Bible, but the same inspired volume furnishes instructions for the life and conduct of the Christian, so that one may, while his feet are treading the heavenly pathway, be preserved from harm, and walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.
Let us first inquire how we may be sure as to the end of the way, in other words—how we may be sure of a happy home above when we quit this world.
The fact that we are sinners makes this question a serious one—one that God alone can answer in a way that will result in the salvation of the sinner.
The story is briefly told: In the love of His heart, God gave His Son to die in the sinner’s stead, and all who believe in Him are cleansed and forgiven and made fit to dwell with Him in heaven, where all is joy forever.
“He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).
“To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43).
When one has believed the gospel to the salvation of his soul, he will find in the Scripture full instruction as to his deportment. The epistles furnish much in this line. The following are examples:
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8).
“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).
How thankful then, we should be for such a treasure as the Word of God. May the reader receive its testimony to the salvation of his soul, and also yield himself to its guidance in his Christian pathway.
“By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer” (Psa. 17:4).