Final Destination
I seem to be on a lot of airplanes lately. Whether it’s off to our condo in AZ or to the nations on prayer journeys; I spend a considerable amount of time flying. At the end of each trip I usually hear the flight attendant giving instructions for our final destination. “Stay seated for a final count, keep your seat belt fastened, etc.” Since we are studying the verses from Eph. 1:3-14, our rightful privileges in Christ, let’s talk about being chosen. Not simply chosen but chosen to be in Him before the foundation of the world. That’s a significant promise to believers.
It means that God picked you out or elected you to be in Him. Our destination was decided by God the Father before time began; He ‘predestined’ us. We’ll deal with that later in this series but for now let’s remember that since God is the ultimate authority He can do whatever He pleases, whenever He pleases, to whomever He pleases.
It’s vital to remember that we are born in sin and unable to to do anything good or right. As a Christian, we know that. It’s the reason for Jesus coming to earth. We don’t deserve it, we don’t do anything to earn it, and yet He shows us His love and mercy in choosing to rescue us from our deserved punishment. “You did not choose me, but I chose you … ” (John 15:16a ESV)
Luther followed this early Christian teaching, dating back to Augustine, and here’s what he wrote in the Third Article of his catechism:
“I believe that I cannot, by my own reason or strength, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel …”
God is in the business of choosing people and calling them. If you are in Christ Jesus, you were chosen before time began by God’s divine choice. Jesus taught this in a story of His sovereignty: Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to Me? Or do you begrudge My generosity? For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 20:14b, 22:14 ESV)
Paul wrote these words in regards to divine election: So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. (2 Timothy 2:10 NLT)
I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. (Titus 1:1b NLT)
Peter also chimed in on the subject: God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and His Spirit has made you holy. You are a chosen people. (1 Peter 1:2a, 9a NLT)
Celebrate your chosenness as assurance of your final destination in Christ Jesus. Stay seated and keep your seatbelt fastened for a great flight through Eph. 1:3-14.
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