01/06/2021 - THE GOOD WORKS THAT PERTAIN US

• 
• 
• 
• 

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:30

In order for us to escape from eternal destruction, God planned and directed the steps of those who led us to eternal salvation. Almost every person who lived before Calvary was helped to receive the Savior. However, just as it happens today, many didn’t value it. God truly desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3,4).

Because He’s Omniscient, God established that anyone could receive salvation through His Son after He came to the world. Until that happened, destiny was defined by one’s lifestyle, just like what happens to Indians and other people who haven’t ever heard about the Gospel. However, that’s not the best way because it is very difficult to abandon sin without the help of the Word of God.

This is one of the reasons we preach the Gospel. The lost must hear and understand that to be saved, they must believe in what Christ did on their behalf. The sooner we declare the Good News, more lives will be rescued. The coming, death and resurrection of the Lord provided what’s necessary for us to be saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8).

This key verse says that the saved have been predestined. This doesn’t mean that God appointed some for salvation and others for perdition. He declared that all who received Jesus will be saved: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

God says we wants all to be saved. Then, in eternity, for sure we will witness the opportunities conceded to those who repented and were born again. Unfortunately, many refused to leave sin. How can anyone say they didn’t receive such invitation? Our heavenly Father can make anyone understand His message. Unfortunately, some love darkness more than the light (John 3:19).

Those who listen to God and do their best to leave the world behind become chosen ones: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). The decision depends on the attention we give to the Word. It is good to accept corrections from the Lord, remembering His promises. Salvation is very important and should never be wasted.

Those who persevere in following the Lord, making Him a priority in their lives, will be glorified. Learn to live as a genuine Christian, remembering that you are the Father’s representation on earth. Consecrate yourself and live the Gospel in its fullness; otherwise, you will be held responsible for your actions before the great Judge. Never give up on fulfilling your mission! 

In Christ, with love,

Dr. Soares