In 1953 the Federal Highway Act authorized the construction of 422,500 miles of freeways from coast to coast.

Having national freeways was a great idea. And now the entire country is linked through the interstate system. If you’ve traveled much with your family, you’ve probably driven over many of those highways—four lanes or more, cutting through pastures and forests, over mountains and rivers, and around cities, from coast to coast.

Of course, you’ve also probably seen that some of those “freeways” are now tollways and that, in many areas, they’re packed with vehicles. (These days, travelers often look for the old, back roads to avoid the freeways.)

The name “freeway” combines “free” and “highway.” The idea was to provide quick and easy routes for cars and trucks.

Our Bible passage for today highlights another “freeway,” the free, highway to heaven. And it’s a route that’s open to anyone who believes in Christ.

Notice the words “special favor” and “gift.” They show that salvation (being forgiven for our sins and headed for heaven) is free as far as we’re concerned. Did it cost anything? Certainly—this freeway cost Jesus his life on the Cross, where he died in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins. But we don’t have to earn God’s favor. He freely gives us eternal life. That’s called “grace” and it’s amazing!

Some people think they have to work hard to gain forgiveness of sins and salvation—sort of like paying the tolls to be able to use the road. But we could never be good enough to fit into heaven—we’d have to be perfect. The Bible tells us that, “all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). But God also promises that, “the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

So get on God’s freeway . . . and spread the Good News!

God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

To Do

The next time you’re on a “freeway,” remember God’s freeway to heaven and thank him for his love and grace.

Also on this day . . .

This is Flower and Camera Day.

1897—The Chicago Cubs scored 36 runs in a game against Louisville, setting a record for runs scored by a team in a single game.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).