Some think of the Gospel as a ticket guaranteeing that regardless of what kind of life one lives, he is A-OK so long as he has "accepted Christ." They think it is the ultimate fire insurance policy: no matter what one does in this life, he can be certain that he will not burn in hell, but be received into an eternal paradise when earthly life is done. He has his "get out of jail free" card.
Heaven indeed is God's free gift of forgiveness of sin, adoption into His family, and rebirth into an eternal life which is already abiding (John 17:3, 1 John 3:15) in those who will know its final fruition in the mansions above. But there is more to be said. Let's think a bit more about tickets. Here are a couple of analogies:
1. A man is given a free boarding pass. He embarks on an airliner and is seated. After take-off he enjoys looking out the window, wondering what is going on in the towns and countrysides over which he is flying. A sugar coated snack is served and shortly thereafter our traveler begins to doze. Visions of his idyllic destination to dance in his mind. The flight is uneventful; not even the slightest turbulence disturbs his peaceful nap. His plane lands, and he walks down the ramp with a smile.
2. Another man is given a free E-Z Pass account and transponder. All his tolls are paid. He also receives free gasoline for his free car rental. But he doesn't fall asleep at the wheel, and he deals with traffic jams, slow downs...maybe road closures en route. He steers, alternately accelerates and brakes, and maneuvers with skills learned from the driver's manual and from those who taught him, hands-on, how to operate an automobile. Finally, he parks for free and checks into his free luxury hotel room.
The respective travelers both received gifts. The case of the driver better illustrates the real Christian life. Just as a map or a GPS app guides a motorist, the disciple has the law of God as a guide for his journey, but he doesn't despise the God's gift of grace by imagining he can earn Heaven by law keeping.
In the life of discipleship, we don't merely gaze out the window like passengers in the backseat, daydreaming, but look through the windshield and to our mirrors with alertness, keeping to the road which includes signs providing further direction. We know that even our alertness and all the necessary physical and mental capacities to drive come from God. We have His appointed means of grace and freely receive grace upon grace to keep to the road.
We do indeed keep to the road, but imperfectly. Sometimes we swerve into another lane, sometimes we are too pokey or exceed the speed limit, sometimes we "extend a yellow," sometimes we are careless or worse when it comes to the concerns of our fellow motorists. Perfectly following the road was accomplished only by our Forerunner (Hebrews 6:20) Who is not only the builder of the road but also its ultimate destination and the great Judge of all who journey.
Yes, every person saved by grace alone in a sense has a "ticket to heaven." It is a ticket valid only for travel along the one true road that leads to heaven, guided by God's Word into which the Holy Spirit gives us understanding, with God providing power and help all along, which are as free as the ticket itself.