Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

THE KEY TO HEAVEN

The hymn writer put it this way: “Prayer is the key to heaven; faith unlocks the door.” In a delusional world of “religion my way,” this truism so easily understood by saints remains a mystery fit only to be rejected and ridiculed by the majority, and too often simply neglected or ignored by much of the minority.

Prayer is that medium of spiritual communication that allows us to actually talk to God. When one thinks of the overwhelming vastness of the universe that includes multiple worlds in and around us that are too small to be seen, and that we have the blessed privilege of talking to the Creator of it all, it is more than mind-boggling. It is an opportunity like no other to be seized upon daily. But let the reader clearly understand that there are harsh conditions placed on that privilege. The psalmist wrote, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18. Iniquity is self will. The approach to God must be one of repentance and faith for “Those who come to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11: 6.

Within this context then is the open line of spiritual communication with Him Who has established the universe and all therein. It is He whose omniscient, constant, knowledge base includes the very number of the hairs of one’s head. Matt. 10:30. It is He who loves to bestow upon His children good things upon their asking, Matt. 7:11. Moreover, it is through this medium properly done that Christians learn, and grow in grace and knowledge as His Holy Spirit brings to light the true meaning and understanding of His Word. It is through this medium that petitions are granted for oneself, and for others for whom favors are requested. Truly, the Bible states nothing in vain, and especially the charge of forsaken, personal responsibility as it states: “Ye have not, because ye ask not,” James 4:2-3.

Doubtless, there are two disciplines in the life of every child of God that are of utmost importance, and foundational to all Christian progress. These are prayer and Bible study.

Without them fellowship with the Creator God of heaven and earth is severed, and one is found in identity with Adam and Eve, hiding from God and attempting to justify (cover) themselves with the works of their own hands. That did not work for them, and it still does not work for men today. If you have received the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior, you are not your own, but His. You have the key! What are you doing with it?

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