THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 13:42-48
“All who were appointed for eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48)
In Romans 11 Paul explains how God uses Jewish unbelief to reach the Gentiles.
He explains that it is because of their unbelief,not God’s rejection; and this can change.
“Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! … If they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.” Romans 11:11,20)
Calvinists see this ‘appointing’ as God eternally choosing some, and rejecting others.
I see it as God directing human affairs for His purpose of salvation.
God is directing our times and places SO THAT people will seek Him (Acts 17:26-27).
God appointed those who responded so that others could be saved as well.
Election is not God rejecting some, but God choosing some – for a purpose.
God wants everyone to be saved, and He times some ‘salvations’ to help others.
If we believe, God has appointed us to help others believe… this is our mission.
If someone rejects Jesus, this does not mean they are not ‘appointed’.
God is still working in them, and He is using you to draw them.
I’ve been appointed for eternal life… to help others receive eternal life.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to get lost in the mystery of God’s sovereign purpose, that I forget why You have called and chosen me to follow You. I am called for a purpose, may I be faithful to that calling!