Going Up?

Do you believe everyone is destined for Heaven? “He has mercy on whom he wants, and he hardens whom he wants.” (Romans 9:18) The Bible makes it clear that God, as the Creator, has that option. “Who are you, a mere human being, to talk back to God? Will what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me this way?’ Or the potter has no right to make from a given lump of clay this pot for honorable use and that one for dishonorable?” (Romans 9:20-21)

I’m a crafter–when I have time– so I understand that sometimes one thing must be destroyed in order to make something better. Imagine a wood plank that will become a decorative sign. Each letter is burned into the wood, destroying what the heat touches but turning the remainder into a beautiful message. 

What if God “patiently put up with people who deserved punishment and were ripe for destruction? What if he did this in order to make known the riches of his glory to those who are the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory–that is to us, whom he called.” (Romans 9:22-24) Do you wonder if you’ve been called for eternal life? Do you think sometimes that you were created to be one of the dishonorable–not a chosen one? If you have read this far, you probably have some desire to know God. That is all the proof you need that you are chosen and set apart. How can I say that with 100% confidence? “No one can come to me unless the Father–the One who sent me–draws him.” (John 6:44)

You can rest assured of your future beyond this life: “I will raise him up on the Last Day.” (John 6:44) Jesus doesn’t say, “I might,” he says, “I will.” Praise God today–he chose you to be honorable among his creation.