August 19 — "Smoky Escape or Grand Entrance?"

Today's Reading: 2 Peter 1

What kind of entrance are you preparing for in Heaven? For some, it’ll be a quiet slip across the threshold—no applause, no trumpets, just barely making it in. For others, that arrival will be nothing short of a jubilant, joy-splashed celebration!

The Bible paints both pictures vividly. In 1 Corinthians 3:15, Paul describes Christians who will be saved, but as if escaping through a wall of fire. It’s been said they’ll enter Heaven “smelling like smoke.” They might not go to Hell, but they’ll smell like they’ve been there. On the opposite end, Peter reminds us in today’s verse that an entrance will be provided “richly” (abundantly, lavishly) for those who are diligent to practice the qualities of Christian virtue.

Now imagine crossing the finish line of life—you’re breathless, elated, cheered on by angels, applauded by saints, and welcomed by Jesus Himself with arms wide open. This isn’t sneaking into Heaven’s side door. It’s a banner-day homecoming! Every step of faith is celebrated. Each trial now behind you, every tear wiped away. The King of Glory calls your new name and proclaims, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Your heart erupts with awe, love, and uncontainable joy. It’s laughter from the depths. It’s tears that sparkle. It’s arrival at the home your soul always knew but never quite found until now.

It's true, every believer gets in by grace—but how you enter depends on one essential ingredient: diligence. Peter uses this word twice in 2 Peter 1:5–11. First, he calls us to “make every effort” (or “give all diligence”) to grow in faith. Then again in verse 10: “Be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election.” That word in Greek—spoudē—radiates intensity, zeal, and deliberate focus. This isn’t casual Christianity—it’s a full-throttle, all-in pursuit of Christlikeness.

So, which entrance are you setting your sights on? Coasting through life—or growing upward, onward, heavenward? Don’t settle for survival. Strive for rich and abundant arrival. Be diligent to make your calling and election sure! If you do these things, you’ll never stumble—and your entry into the everlasting Kingdom will be rich with joy and reward.

May God stir in you a holy urgency. May your life endure the flames and emerge shining like gold. And may your entrance into Heaven be loud, bright, and bursting with glory—to the everlasting praise of Jesus.