No matter how bad the weather, I don’t ever remember in multiple thousands of hours of flying ever being diverted to another airfield because the weather was too dangerous to land. Even when the weather was so bad you couldn’t see a thing; there was the GCA.
GCA, that stands for ground-controlled approach and is the oldest air traffic technique to fully implement radar to service a plane. The system was simple, direct, and worked well, even with previously untrained pilots. It requires “close communication” between ground-based air traffic controllers and pilots in approaching aircraft. Only one pilot is guided at a time (max. 2 under certain circumstances). [great citation is needed] The controllers monitor dedicated precision approach radar systems, to determine the precise course and altitude of approaching aircraft. The controllers then provide verbal instructions by radio to the pilots to guide them to a landing. The instructions include both descent rate (glide path) and heading (course) corrections necessary to follow the correct approach path until you are low and over the runway.
In our spiritual life and our plan to spend eternity in heaven is also a Ground Control Approach as you consider your destination. Just as in landing the aircraft, you must listen carefully to the air traffic controller and comply with the instruction you are given to land safely.
Starting with God’s plan of forgiveness, it is clearly outlined in His Word. Now in a way reading or listing to His Word written almost 2000 years ago by men you have never met, is like listing to the air traffic controller. You have never met the controller, yet you are willing to follow his words because you believe he will guide you to a safe landing. Your life was indeed in his hands.
Of course, you can choose, for whatever reason, not to follow the controller’s directions. Now as far as following God’s word that too is your choice. Let me note, however, if you choose not to follow the instructions of the controller you may-or-may-not land safely.
However, a failure to follow God’s GCA that leads to heaven will always end in disaster. He established His plan before the foundation of the world as recorded in Ephesians 1:4 “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love.”
Again, it is His plan; it is His heaven, it was His Son that died once for all. Just follow His Plan. In Mark 16:16 we have this information, “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved, but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”
Then from Revelation 2:10 we are reminded to be faithful unto death, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
As you read His Word, you will find guidance for every area of your life. He doesn’t want any to be lost. But you do need to live under His direction.
Note with me too it is not enough just to be religious. Just these few examples make that point clear.
Acts 9 and Acts 22 make it clear that Saul/Paul was religious, but lost.
Acts 10 and Acts 11 make it clear that Cornelius was religious, but lost.
As for the Jews of the first century, keeping the Old Law, you would have to say they too were religious, but lost.
So, to arrive safely use the GAC system.
GCA ground control approach when you can’t see the runway.
GCA God’s Caring Approach you can’t see heaven.
Dick Brant