What metrics would you use to determine the most-coveted passport in the world? For some, it might be the passport that would allow them to get to that one country of their dreams without requiring a special travel visa. For those who travel extensively around the world, it would be a passport that is hassle-free for the maximum number of countries without requiring special approval.

An added complexity to travel in 2021 and perhaps into the foreseeable future is the metric of COVID vaccination and the status of all travellers. Some countries are now requiring a Vaccine Passport.

Henley and Partners is a consulting firm based in the United Kingdom. Since 2006 they have been publishing the  Henley Passport Index. They regularly monitor the world’s most travel-friendly passports and publish their rankings and analysis.

As of 2021, Japan held top-place for the passport that was accepted by the most countries of the world. (1)

1. 1. Japan (193 destinations)
   2. Singapore (192)
   3. Germany, South Korea (191)
   4. Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain (190)
   5. Austria, Denmark (189)
   6. France, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden (188)
   7. Belgium, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (187)
   8. Czech Republic, Greece, Malta, Norway (186)
   9. Australia, Canada (185)
   10. Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia (183)

The bottom five were:

1. 106. Yemen (33)
   107. Pakistan (32)
   108. Syria (29)
   109. Iraq (28)
   110. Afghanistan (26)

Arton Capital also manages a passport ranking site. It features a real-time ranking based on any changes made to visa requirements or other metrics.

After carefully reviewing both the Henley Passport Index and Arton Capital’s Index, neither listed the destination that is most desired by the majority. Even those who possess the highest-ranking passport above – Japan, are unable to use their passport’s respected status to enter the destination preferred by most.

Heaven.

Many believe Heaven is a real destination beyond death. Others who deny its existence but are unable to produce evidence to support their claim, will admit: “If there is life beyond death and should there happen to be a place called Heaven, of course! – I would like to be there.”

The reality of Heaven is not affected by what earth-dwellers think. Neither the brightest minds nor the most outspoken critics have the final say on the existence of Heaven. The reality of Heaven transcends the scope of their influence.

The Bible is unmistakeably clear about two destinations after death: Heaven and Hell. Heaven is the dwelling place of God. Jesus said:

For I have come down from Heaven, not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38

The Lord Jesus returned to Heaven after His death on the Cross for our sins. He died; He was buried and He was raised from the dead. Eye witness accounts of those who saw Him post-resurrection exceeded five hundred.  But then Jesus returned to Heaven.

From a geographical location on earth, the Mount of Olives, the disciples of Jesus watched Jesus ascend – until a cloud received Him out of their sight. As they continued to stare at the sky, Dr. Luke recorded that heavenly messengers spoke to the disciples:

And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into Heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into Heaven.” Acts 1:10-11

Yes,  Heaven is a real destination after death.

The question for you is – do you have a passport to enter Heaven?

There’s an insightful narrative recorded in the Bible. One night, a very sincere religious man who practised his faith diligently was shocked to learn that despite his credentials, he did not have the passport required for Heaven. You can read his story in the Gospel of John Chapter 3.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God…. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God… “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:3,5,7

For Heaven, you require the New Birth passport. Jesus was very specific and emphatic when he was speaking to the devoutly religious man.

There are no substitutes for the New Birth Passport.

None of the following respectable achievements help to qualify a person for the New Birth Passport:

• Baptismal Certificate
• Religious Membership Card
• New Directions in Life Certificate
• Platinum Member of Charitable Giving Society
• Good Person of the Year Award
• Medal of Honour

Unlike some countries that offer passports based on how much money you can give them upfront, Heaven’s passport cannot be purchased by privileged or wealthy people. For example, some of the beautiful islands in the Caribbean sell citizenships to people who have the money. St. Kitts and Grenada  USD $150,000. Antigua, Barbuda, St. Lucia and Dominica – USD $100,000. Technically, it is referred to as “Residence- and citizenship-by-investment programs.” (2)

No such programs exist for Heaven.

Jesus said: “You must be born again.” John 3:7

The Lord Jesus told His disciples that He, Himself, was the only way to Heaven – the Father’s House.

Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

Those who possess Heaven’s passport have a personal, precious and precise moment when they consciously accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

The uplifting news is that those who may never qualify for the coveted passports of Earth, qualify for Heaven’s passport. There is no bureaucratic red-tape to delay the process. There are no legal hoops to complicate matters. You could have in your possession today the world’s most powerful passport – the passport that allows you to be in Heaven – no questions asked.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Heaven’s passport is free to you but very costly to the One who made it possible. The Apostle Peter emphasized the cost was far beyond the currency of silver and gold. He said the cost was –

The precious blood of Christ. 1Peter 1:19

There’s an old hymn about the cross and Christ’s death for our sins that goes like this:

I see the burden of my sin
The Lord on Him has laid,
And He the spotless Lamb of God,
My sacrifice was made.

The cross of Christ is all my boast,
His Blood my only plea;
My passport to the realms of bliss
Is “Jesus died for me.”

If you have any worries or concerns or questions about obtaining the Passport to Heaven, reach out to us by clicking here.

 

SOURCES:

1. https://www.henleyglobal.com/download/hpi-2021
2. https://www.henleyglobal.com/
3. Also: passportindex.org