Ephesians 1:3-5: Our Destiny

Spiritual Blessings in Christ  (NIV)
Ephesians 1:3-5

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 
4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 
5he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

 

 

* HE chose us in HIM before the foundation of the world? Predestined? So does this Predestination oppose our freewill? Is it saying that no matter what we do, we are already slated to go to heaven or hell?

 

•  We are predestined to be holy and blameless 1:4
• We are predstined to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ 1:5

So, it really is true that God's will is that none perish, but that all come to repentance ( 2 Peter 3:9)

• His perfect plan is all of mankind, redeemed and adopted- yet  he gives us the freedom to choose.

We are created in God's image, right? Well imagine how it would feel for someone to only show love to us, because they are being forced to. That is not a fulfilling feeling, and quite honestly we would rather do without that heartless love. Likewise our creator.
When we turn ourselves to the cross, and our desires to His will, His Spirit aids us to the completion of His perfect will in us. Thus ( Romans 8:28) All Things work together for good to them who love God; to those who are the called according to his purpose. 

It is our own  stubborness that push us farther out of the perfect will of God. Likewise our desires toward God push us into the will of God. There are causes and their effects.

1. His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 corinthians 12:9)
2. His grace is suffcient (2 Corinthians 12:9)
3. When we draw near to God he draws near to us ( James 4:8)
4. Resist the devil and he will flee ( James 4:7)
5. If you make the Lord your dwelling Place then no evil will come near your dwelling ( Psalm 91:9-11)

God makes sure he provides every safety net. When we are directed toward him, the help is there. But when we choose to do our own thing; he does not force us to do what he wants. It is the destiny of every human being to be with Jesus. If one chooses to live outside of God's provisions of Grace, he will not force.

The Navigation system ( The Word of God) can give you the directions to the intended destiny. You will not reach the destination if you do not at some point, follow the given directions. no matter how many times it re-routes you.

The prodigal did not run after his son as he walked away, but he was always watching and waiting for his return.We know this because when the son headed back toward him, the Father saw the son from from far off. He was anticipating his return. He ran out to meet him, when the son made his way toward the direction of the Father.

When the young rich man is told to give up all  his riches, he walks away, and Jesus, though saddened, does not run after him. He made his choice.

Hell was not made for God's creation called man, it was made for the rebellious angel, Lucifer, and his followers.

Our destiny is heaven

 but like Esau, who gave up his birthright for a temporal bowl of soup- many are giving up their right to be joint heirs with christ, for the temporary and instant gratification of sin. But the pleasures of sin last only for a season ( Hebrews 11:25)


Deuteronomy 30:19 - I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live




God already gave the answer, choose life, but it is still our choice to make.  Are you ready to make the choice today?