The Right Key
THE RIGHT KEY
Read Acts 16:25-31.
“Sure you don’t want to come along to pick up Grandma?” asked Riley’s grandpa.
Riley shook his head. “Okay,” said Grandpa, holding out a key chain. “The silver key with the round top is the house key. Grandma and I will be back soon.”
Riley took the keys and went up the walk. None of these keys look like the one Grandpa described, he thought. He tried each one in the front door. None worked.
After what seemed like forever, his grandparents arrived. “Hey, there,” Grandpa greeted him. “I didn’t expect to see you sitting outside!”
“I couldn’t get in,” Riley explained.
Grandpa was surprised. “Oh, no! Now I remember! I took the key off the ring to have a duplicate made. I must have forgotten to put it back. I’m sorry, Riley.”
“Well, I have a key that will work,” said Grandma. She smiled, handing it to Riley.
A moment later Riley had the door open. “Whew!” he exclaimed. “There’s nothing worse than being locked out of the house when all you want is a glass of milk and one of Grandma’s cookies!”
“Actually, there is something worse,” said Grandpa. “It’s worse to expect to get into heaven but find out too late that you have the wrong key.”
“What do you mean?” asked Riley. “You don’t get into heaven with keys.”
“No, not actual keys,” agreed Grandpa, “but many people think being in a Christian family or living a good life is the key to getting in to heaven. That doesn’t work, though. Jesus said, ‘No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ Only those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have the right key.” Grandpa paused. “How do you expect to get in to heaven?” he asked. “What key do you have, Riley?”
Riley smiled. “I have the right one!” he exclaimed. “I believe in Jesus, and I trust Him to save me.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
What key are you counting on for entering heaven? Good works? A Christian family? These are useless in opening heaven’s door. Jesus is the Door to heaven. Believing in Him as your Savior is the only key.
TO MEMORIZE:
Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.
Acts 16:31
BELIEVE IN JESUS.
From the book
