Grace and Truth – The Gift of Planning

Wise men are known for their ability to solve mysteries. “In as much as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel.” (Daniel 5:12) 

In the Bible, a mystery is a sacred secret. “Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good purpose which He purposed in Himself.” (Ephesians 1:9) Many people take divine truths and complicate them. For instance: what are our thoughts when someone mentions the word “predestination”? Predestination in its simplest form means to plan. Planning is the ability to think. God gave us a brain and He expects us to use it. 

God’s plan for the ages.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3-6) What amazing promises! God planned His work and now He works His plan. But if this is God’s plan for our lives, then why are so many people not experiencing it? 

We must respond correctly to God’s plan.

From the foundation of the world, God planned for our salvation; but like any gift, we are responsible to receive it. 

A pardon is not a pardon if it is rejected. A pardon given by authorities must be received by the offender to become effective. If the pardon is rejected, the guilty is still guilty and condemned to his punishment.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified, and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” (Romans 8:28-30) This wonderful promise is made to those who love God. 

1. “Those whom God predestined, He called.” The call of God goes out to the whole world. “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)
2. “Those whom God called, them He also justified.” This is the message of the cross. The purpose of the cross was to justify everyone who believes in Jesus. God justifies those who answer His call. “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having then been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:8-9) “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:21) 
3. “Those He justified, those He also glorified.” God desires that our lives should bring Him glory. “For all things are for your sake, that grace, having spread through many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.” (II Corinthians 4:15)

How can we be sure we are a part of God’s elect?

This is the question that gives many people insecurity. They are not sure they are a part of the elect of God. “Who can bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33) Do some people believe only God knows who are the elect? They base this belief on the Scripture which says, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: The Lord knows those who are His.” (II Timothy 2:19) It is true that the Lord knows those who are His, but God is not the only one who knows. “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (I John 5:13) John wrote his letter to assure us of our salvation. God wants us to know we are saved.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.” (Hebrews 6:19) The hope he speaks about is the hope of salvation. “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (II Corinthians 5:18) One of the sweetest gifts we have as Christians is knowing the love we share is eternal.

Let us plan on being part of God’s eternal plan!