He Chose Us According To His Plan

He Chose Us According To His Plan

Ephesians 1:11 – 12 says:

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out      everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 

God’s plan was to send Jesus so that those who believe in him will be saved. However, included in that plan was a stipulation; if we abide in that stipulation, we will have everlasting life. We will be over-comers for Christ. We will have the victorious life he has planned for us. If we follow his plan we are overcomers. Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

His Plan Was That If We Choose Him We Will Be Saved.

Ephesians 1:13 – 14 says:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession— to the praise of his glory (Italics added).”

Jesus said there is a work one must do to be saved. John 6:29 says, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” That means that a believer must choose. Even the word “believer” requires an action. That action is to “believe.”

Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

2 Timothy 2:14 – 19 says:

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

2        Corinthians 1:21 – 22 says:

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Each of the aforementioned Scriptures requires an action; some from the believer and some from God. Most importantly is to know, once the believer has made his decision, he is sealed. He cannot go back! God holds fast those whom have chosen him. That is where the words “elect” and “chosen” stem from. God elects those who choose him, making them sealed for eternity.

God knew about you from the beginning of his creation. He made provision for you through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are sealed throughout eternity. You can’t lose the salvation that was given to you. It is a promise from God! From the beginning he has had the grace to call you his own if you will accept him as your Savior. If you have already accepted him, you can live the abundant life in him.

You can be an over-comer in this world. If you trust him with all that you have, he will lead you in the victorious life he has planned for you. Now it is up to you! You must accept the plan that he has for you. Believe that he has made provision for you and accept the victorious life that is promised to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

God had a plan for the life of Samson. God’s plan led to His success. Samson’s plan led to his demise. Samson did not seek to live the life God had for him. He sought to live his own life. Even though Samson had a measure of success, he did not experience all that God had for him if he would have remained in the will of God.

The same can be said for the life of the believer. God has a plan for life to be successful. It is impossible for me to state what that success looks like in your life, but you can rest in the assurance of God; He will help you to succeed in what you are doing for his glory.