Once I traveled on a well-worn road,
where many led the way;
I simply had to follow on,
as night will follow day.
If I had only known the lack,
the need I had within --
I may have turned another way
and followed only "Him."

Instead, I blithely traveled on,
not knowing of my loss,
until some sign posts pointed me
to the foot of a rugged cross.
Oh, I knew a lot about Jesus Christ,
the God-man on that "tree;"
I believed He died to open the gate
of heaven for you and me.

And since that time, I'd always heard,
we each must pass the test.
If I wanted to go to Heaven some day,
I must try to do my best.
But, Friends, I want to tell you now,
please listen to my story:
No matter how good your life may be,
it will not take you to glory!

As I began to read the Bible,
which is God's written word,
the things I learned amazed me,
and I marveled as I heard
that Jesus' death upon the cross
was all I need to claim
and heaven would be my destiny
if I trusted in His Name.

What mattered was what God said,
nothing less and nothing more.
The teachings I'd relied on,
the good things I'd done before;
the beauty of the sanctuary,
traditions from ages past --
When measured by God's own Word,
not one of these would last.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves;
It is a gift of God,
not of works,
lest any man should boast."

At last I knew that Jesus' death
had paid for all my sin;
The only thing for me to do
was simply "invite Him In."
It seemed too easy to be true,
but I dared not deny His word.
I prayed, accepting His free gift;
and I know that Jesus heard.

When I asked Him to be my Savior
and thanked Him for His love,
my soul was flooded with peace and joy—
assurance from above.
My struggles and fears were all for nought;
His gift has set me free.
Now I travel the road my Savior chose,
and He walks along with me.

July 8, 2009