WHAT IS YOUR DESTINY?
What is your destiny? Doesn't that question have a mysterious
ring to it?
Destiny defined is: "the inner purpose of a life that
can be discovered and realized". What path will you take to "get ahead"?
All of us should take special care in discovering our purpose here on earth
and planning our future.
Let's look at the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How in any aspect of our life. For example, consider that you are looking for satisfying employment.
- Who you work for is important, as is
- What you will be doing
- Where is the location of the office or work area?
- When will you work? (Hours and days)
- Why do you want this job? Are you working just to pay bills or is achievement important?
- How will you get work? How will you get along with peers and your fellow employees?
We probably consider all of these features when investigating future employment that may last some 40 to 50 years.
During our life, we are continually discovering new choices: concerning marriage, about starting a family, where to go on a vacation etc. While we are on this earth between 70-90 years we make decisions about money, our life style our morals and our values. However, how many of us take the time to consider our destiny for our "next life", eternity.
So, let's shift gears and discuss that portion of our life that will last much longer than the 70-90 years that accounts for our time here on earth. That portion of our life is our eternal life, a life that never ends.
Another definition of destiny is: "the apparently predetermined and inevitable series of events that happen to somebody (everyone)".
Does our eternal destiny mean that we can do nothing to assure our eternal life with Jesus? NO! Jesus says in Matt 18:11&14 "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost......it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones (children of God) should perish." OUR DESTINY IS THAT WE NOT PERISH.
Let's assume for this discussion that you believe in the theory of Creation, thus, you believe in a Creator. The question is: who is this Creator? Only three of the world religions believe in true Creation (Adam and Eve). Those three religions are: Muslim, Judaism and Christianity. The Jews believe in the "Old Testament" God (Creator) and that the Messiah is still to come. The Muslims believe in an impersonal God (Allah) who is the Creator. Christians believe that Jesus is God the Son, our Creator and Savior who together with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit are One God. All other world religions believe in some form of evolution.
The evidence showing that Jesus Christ is God and Creator is overwhelming (John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made". The intent here is to guide us in the path we should follow today in order to assure eternal life with Jesus. However, not by works but by faith, we will have eternal life with Jesus. Salvation is by faith alone.
Shouldn't we listen to the One who Created us? Remember, Jesus said that He doesn't want anyone to perish!
So, just what did Jesus, God the Son, say about our destiny? Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." The Creator of the universe said that we must accept Him and His teachings in order to get to heaven to be with Him and the Father. The apostle Paul gives us more information about the Scriptures and salvation in: 2 Tim 3:15-16 "..the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,"
You may ask: "Can't I get to heaven if I'm just a good person?". The Bible says in Galatians 2:21 "if righteousness (being good enough) comes through the law (human effort), then Christ died for nothing." God died for nothing? Does that sound logical? Also in Isaiah 64:6 the LORD says "..all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;.....like the wind our sins sweep us away." Jesus tells us in Matt 5:48 "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." . Also, the Bible reminds us in Rom 3:23 "... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
If we really look at ourselves, we know that we sin and are not perfect. But, Jesus says we must be "perfect" in order to have eternal life with Him. Jesus further teaches His Apostles in Matt 19:25-26 "...the disciples were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." There it is, the very simple answer.
Only Jesus, God the Son, who became a man (John 1:14) can save us (give us eternal life). How does He do this, you ask? Once again, the Bible tells us in Mark 1:15 "repent, and believe in the gospel" which states in Romans 10:8-10 ".... if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
We repeat here what Jesus said "He wants that none should
perish", therefore we are all predestined to be with Him. Unfortunately,
because of our "free will" many people simply will not repent and give
up their life style and thus, will not follow Jesus. That is really a shame! Following Jesus' commandments gives us a joyful and abundant life,
not some impossible and unhappy existence. Further, we will enjoy eternity
with Jesus and not suffer the "fires" of Hell.
By the way, maybe your life of 70-90 years has just been
cut to 35 or 40 years due to illness or an accident!
Are you ready?
Fact: We will live forever (somewhere):
So, going back to the Who, What etc: Consider eternity.
Who? That's you and me!
What? Glorious eternal life!
Where? In heaven (the alternative
is pure hell)!
When? At the time of your earthly
death, for all eternity!
Why? Jesus loves
each and every one of us! HE LOVES us so much, HE DIED
for us.
How? Believe in Jesus
and check out the Bible (Jesus wrote it) do what it says!
How do you know that you are saved? Your changed life will
be all the evidence you need. Jesus said in Rev 3:20 "Behold, I stand
at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come
in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart right now. He is asking
you to:
Realize
that you are a sinner-----and
Repent
of your sins------and
Receive Jesus
personally as your Lord Savior and your GOD
PRAY
READ THE BIBLE
FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS
Tell Someone about Jesus, Their life may depend on
it!
