All Aboard to Those Who Are Coming Aboard!

“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Romans 8:30

In keeping with Hebrews 12:2, what the Apostle Paul writes here in Romans is very much synonymous with what the writer of Hebrews said of Jesus, calling Him the author and finisher of our faith. Christ is the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and end, and here in Romans Paul outlines the path of the Salvation rail: from predestination to calling; calling to justification and justification to glorification. Such are the operators and operations of the Hallelujah Line, which travels the Salvation rail. God the Father is Engineer of the train and preparer of the passenger list, Jesus is the conductor, and the Holy Spirit is the station manager and ticket agent. The train itself is unmistakable because the cowcatcher (front grill of this glorious engine) is in the form of a cross, and most everyone knows that a cowcatcher serves to clear the train’s path of obstructions. Indeed, make way and prepare for its coming!

Of course, the Hallelujah Line does not travel on a fixed rail line; that is, from physical point to point; stop to stop. No one can say either where it came from or where it is next headed to take on passengers. Many think the traveler may dictate what day or time the Hallelujah line will draw into station, but they are sadly mistaken. While many believe they can board at any time, do they actually know their names are written on the final manifest? Do they think of themselves as scribes, who by their free will can sign up at any moment? Oh, you may sign up, but that doesn’t mean the train will ever come. Moreover, many lost souls sit in pews each Sunday in stations across America and wait, and they even may possibly see the Hallelujah train stopped; people called aboard, and a moment later it left the station. Why is it they didn’t board? Well, some folks thought that they couldn’t afford the ticket, which was crazily enough free. Others; those who understood the cost was free, still saw the price too great: it meant turning away from taking the weekly commuters that were headed in the direction that their pride and personal pleasure would take them. Indeed, they planned to commute their own sin. For others and to their later regret, they thought they could wait and board at their convenience. However, on this world’s offering of commuter trains, there is no cross to shield. In fact, what is an obstacle and removed on the Hallelujah Line is aboard the commuter as an enticement; but of course deep inside, you know that. That’s why you ride it. It’s a fun ride, but let me ask you just one question—what is your final stop?  

I thank God that I am His and I’m on my pilgrimage aboard the Hallelujah train. However, I take no satisfaction in seeing those who pass outside. I do not revel in my good fortune in being approached by the ticket agent, while others board their commuter trains in darkness and whose agent appears angelic but is the father of lies. All I can do as I pass by is to pray, and in His Spirit to call out, ‘All aboard to those who are coming aboard!’ at each station.  That is our commission you know. There is no gloating in grace; even as we may board for glory.