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Every pilot knows the value of filing a flight plan. In fact, few pilots would ever make a serious trip without one. Amazingly, however, some people (including pilots) never plan for the most important flight of their lives - the flight from this world to the next.

The Bible makes it clear that such a flight does exist and that everyone's final destination will not be the same. Failing to plan for this flight is clearly a plan to fail.

Air Traffic Controllers
We all know the value of good air traffic controllers. They warn pilots of impending dangers and direct them in safely reaching their destinations. In a sense, the Bible serves a similar role. Its message is a warning of man's impending doom should a course correction not take place. The reason for this is that every man and woman is a sinner (Romans 3:23). The Bible also makes it clear that the result of man's sin is death (Romans 6:23). This means spiritual separation from God which is an eternal destination of hell.

Course Correction
Fortunately, God provided a way for man to one day be with Him in heaven. It came at the ultimate price, the death of His one and only son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). He died on the cross because He loved the world, and His death provided an opportunity for each man and woman to be reunited with God (Romans 5:8-9).

It Takes Faith
Pilots understand faith. They learn to trust the machines that propel them upwards and bring them safely back to earth. They learn to trust their instruments when visibility is inadequate. All of these actions are the result of faith. Faith is simply placing confidence (or trust) in something or someone who will not let you down. The Bible says that we receive the gift of eternal life through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). We place our faith in Jesus as the Son of God whose death provides forgiveness for our sins.

We take this step of faith simply by asking God to come into our hearts. This can be accomplished through a simple prayer. There is no magic formula or any special words you must say - you simply need a sincere heart. If you wish to make your flight plan for heaven today, the following prayer can serve as a guide:

Dear God,
I know I am a sinner and I now want to turn away from my sin and receive your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for me on the cross and that He rose from the grave and is alive today. I now want him to take control of my life and to be my Lord and Savior. I receive your gift and thank you for the life you offer. Amen.

Talk About Altitude
If you sincerely spoke this prayer to God, then something very significant has taken place in your life. You have made your flight plan for heaven and it is being recorded in an eternal book (Philippians 4:3). You have become a child of God and His Holy Spirit has come to dwell within you (John 14:17). Through His power, the rest of your earthly life can be heavenly and one day you will join Him and His family of believers in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Your destination will be heaven.

It will truly be your greatest flight ever!