Daily Doses of Gospel "PiLLs": decisions

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Predestined? What Does it Mean?

I wrote this blog because of a question that someone asked me today. What does it mean when we say we are predestined by God? Let's see what the Bible says about it.

First, let’s define what predestined/predestinate means: destined, fated, or determined beforehand. When something is predestined, it means it has already been determined beforehand what it should be.

For example, the butterfly, before it becomes a butterfly, is a caterpillar. So, the caterpillar is predestined to become a butterfly, right? It goes through a process called metamorphosis in which its body goes through a complete transformation. I discuss the spiritual aspect of this in greater detail in my book.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life”. We can conclude from this Scripture alone that God has predestined us to become His children and receive the benefits of His salvation. However, this salvation comes through our belief/faith in Jesus and the finished work of the Cross. Additional Scriptures to read on predestination are Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:28-30.

I’d like to summarize by using another analogy of a ship that is on its way to Heaven. The ship, which is the church, is chosen by God to be His very own precious vessel. Jesus is the Captain of this wonderful ship and those who desire to be a part can come aboard through the acceptance of Christ Jesus. As long as an individual remains on the ship and continues his or her relationship with the Captain (Jesus), he safely and securely remains amongst the chosen or elected people of God.

But because this election is contingent upon one’s union, comradeship, fellowship, obedience, and partnership with God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of the ship, if he chooses to abandon ship, then he ceases to be amid, among, in the course of, in the company, or in the midst of the chosen. Predestination relates to us about the ship’s purpose and final destination and what the Father has prepared and planned for those who choose to remain on it. Everyone is invited by the goodness and love of God to come abroad the elect ship. This is done through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate!

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Seasonal Decisions Brings About Lifetime Changes

There are times when God will allow or appoint the things in our world to be shaken to remind us that He is the only unshakeable and unmovable foundation. Psalm 62:1-2 tells us that God is our Rock and our Fortress and we shall not be greatly moved.

James 1:5 says that God’s wisdom is ours for the asking. Your seasonal decision will bring about lifetime changes. So, choices made during a time of crisis should be considered prayerfully because misguided searches can cause you to end up somewhere in a ditch and off track. It is vital that during this time, one remain steadfast and focus through a deliberate practice of abiding in Him.

Don’t allow the enemy to take you off track by the surrounding chaos but allow the firm footing of Jehovah-Shammah, God’s Peace, to keep you prevailing forward. You will soon find that the greaves that shield your feet will protect you and keep you from falling apart.

When uncertainty sets in, beloved, and the stakes are high, bow down low. Submitting to the pain of God’s refining fire will thrust you into His truth like a bullet shot out of a pistol and straight into your destiny. You will soon find that the opposing wind will cause you to soar higher than all your circumstances.

Tilt your heart towards the Son!