Shalom, beloved in Christ!
\nWelcome as we study the Word of God together. Today\u2019s teaching comes from:<\/p>\n
Acts 13:46\u201349
\n\u201cThen Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, \u2018It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
\nFor so the Lord has commanded us:
\n\u201cI have set you to be a light to the Gentiles,
\nThat you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.\u201d\u2019
\nNow when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.
\nAnd the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\nThis is a very sobering truth \u2014 to hear that some people were ordained<\/em> to eternal life, while others were not<\/em>. It reveals that salvation is not a random event, but part of God\u2019s perfect plan, established before the foundation of the world.<\/p>\n
God had already determined the full number of those who would be saved, and He wrote their names in His Book of Life.<\/p>\n
Revelation 17:8
\n\u201cAnd those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\nAlso read:<\/p>\n
Ephesians 1:4
\n\u201cJust as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\nThat is why the Lord Jesus said:<\/p>\n
John 6:44
\n\u201cNo one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\nThis means that believing in Christ and following Him faithfully is not merely a human decision \u2014 it is the result of God\u2019s eternal purpose. Before the world began, He chose certain people and placed within them a spiritual response to believe when they hear the Gospel.<\/p>\n
That is why you may see one person who has grown up in church, raised in faith, attending services for years \u2014 yet salvation seems unimportant to him. Meanwhile, another person who knew nothing about God \u2014 perhaps a Muslim, a Buddhist, or a person from a non-Christian background \u2014 hears the message of Jesus once, and immediately his heart burns within him. He abandons everything to follow Christ, regardless of what his family or community may say.<\/p>\n
You may ask, why is that?
\nIt is because he was ordained to eternal life, while the other was not.<\/p>\nThe Bible affirms this again:<\/p>\n
2 Timothy 2:19
\n\u201cNevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: \u2018The Lord knows those who are His,\u2019 and, \u2018Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.\u2019\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\nHOW CAN YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE ORDAINED TO ETERNAL LIFE?<\/h3>\n
The Scripture we read earlier gives us the answer \u2014 it says, \u201cAs many as were ordained to eternal life believed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
That means those who were chosen responded immediately when they heard the Gospel. They believed the message, were baptized, continued steadfastly in the faith and holiness, and daily practiced what they had been taught by the apostles.<\/p>\n
But others \u2014 those who were religious, traditional, or self-righteous \u2014 were the ones whom God rejected. They remained unchanged, just as they were.<\/p>\n
Even today, the same principle applies. If you have heard the Gospel many times but still remain unmoved, or if salvation seems unimportant to you, then you must understand this truth \u2014 you have not yet responded as one ordained to eternal life.<\/p>\n
For if you were ordained, you would not resist or argue when you are told to repent. Your heart would respond quickly to the call of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n
The Bible says:<\/p>\n
Matthew 7:14
\n\u201cBecause narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\nPerhaps today, God is speaking to you. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is stirring in your heart right now. If you feel conviction and a longing to turn to Jesus, that is not coincidence \u2014 it is because you are among those appointed to eternal life.<\/p>\n
Therefore, do not harden your heart. Accept His call today and give your life fully to Jesus Christ, so that your name may be confirmed among those written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world.<\/p>\n
\nA PRAYER OF REPENTANCE<\/h3>\n
If you are ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, this is the wisest decision you will ever make \u2014 one you will never regret. Wherever you are right now, take a quiet moment alone. Kneel down and say this prayer sincerely, believing that God is beside you and listening:<\/p>\n
\u201cO GOD THE FATHER, I COME BEFORE YOU, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT I AM A SINNER. I HAVE SINNED AGAINST YOU IN MANY WAYS AND DESERVE JUDGMENT. BUT YOU, MY GOD, HAVE SAID IN YOUR WORD THAT YOU ARE A MERCIFUL GOD, SHOWING COMPASSION TO THOUSANDS WHO LOVE YOU.<\/strong>
\nTODAY I COME BEFORE YOU SEEKING YOUR MERCY AND HELP. I REPENT OF ALL MY SINS WHOLEHEARTEDLY. I CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, AND THAT HE IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD. I ASK THAT THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF YOUR SON CLEANSE ME FROM ALL MY UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.<\/strong>
\nMAKE ME A NEW CREATION FROM THIS DAY FORWARD AND FOREVER.<\/strong>
\nTHANK YOU, LORD JESUS, FOR RECEIVING ME AND FORGIVING ME.<\/strong>
\nAMEN.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nIf you have prayed that prayer in faith, your next step is to confirm your repentance through action. Whatever sinful things you used to do \u2014 leave them behind completely. Once God sees your true change of heart, He accepts your repentance and comes to dwell within you through His Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n
You should also find a living church where you can fellowship with other believers, worship God, and grow in His Word.<\/p>\n
Finally, seek baptism by immersion in water in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins \u2014 this completes your step of salvation.<\/p>\n
Be greatly blessed!
\nPlease share this message with others, that they too may know these good tidings of eternal life.<\/p>\nIf you would like to receive more teachings like this through email or WhatsApp, send us a message in the comment box below, or contact us at +255 789 001 312.
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