Our Predestination: Understanding God’s Heart

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Today, we are diving deep into a topic that resonates with many of us, especially on this Father’s Day: predestination. It’s a subject that ignites passion and curiosity within the hearts of believers. As we explore this theme, let’s turn to Romans 8:28-29, which gives us profound insight into God’s purpose for our lives.

Romans 8:28-29: A Foundation for Understanding

In Romans 8:28, we read, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This passage is often quoted, but it’s vital to understand the context surrounding it. The Apostle Paul speaks of a world in bondage to darkness, where everything seems broken and hopeless. Yet, amidst this despair, God breaks through in Jesus Christ, offering us freedom from the law of sin and death.

Paul continues in verse 29, stating, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” This statement is not just theological jargon; it’s a powerful declaration of our identity and destiny in Christ. Each of us is predestined to reflect the image of God’s Son, Jesus. What a beautiful truth! This should ignite a fire within us, especially on a day when we celebrate fathers and their roles in our lives.

The Context of Predestination

Understanding predestination requires us to look at the broader context of Romans 8. Paul paints a vivid picture of creation itself groaning in anticipation for the revelation of the sons of God. The present sufferings we endure are not without purpose; they are part of God’s intentional design to shape us into the likeness of Christ.

Many people, when faced with difficulties, may feel isolated in their struggles, believing they have it worse than anyone else. The truth is, everyone faces challenges. What matters is how we respond to these challenges. We must hold onto the vision that God is actively working in our lives, bringing forth the life of Christ within us, even when circumstances seem bleak.

The Father’s Heart for Us

As we reflect on Father’s Day, let’s consider the heart of our Heavenly Father. He desires to give us an inheritance, one that is rich and full of promise. This inheritance is not just a theological concept; it’s a reality that we can experience in our lives. When we think about the Scriptures being referred to as the Old and New Testament, we see this idea of inheritance clearly illustrated.

The term “Testament” in Greek refers to a last will and testament. It signifies a legal document that becomes effective upon the death of the testator. In this case, Jesus is our Testator. His death secured our inheritance, which includes everything that belongs to Him. Hebrews 9:15 tells us that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, allowing us to receive the promise of an eternal inheritance.

Receiving Our Inheritance

What does this inheritance entail? According to Scripture, we receive the Spirit by which we cry out, “Abba, Father.” This is revolutionary! For many, the idea that God could be a loving Father is foreign. Yet, through the Holy Spirit, we are adopted into His family as heirs and joint heirs with Christ. This inheritance is ours to claim, but it requires humility and faith to receive it.

We must overcome the mindset that we are unworthy. The truth is, none of us are worthy, but it is through Christ that we gain access to our inheritance. The tax collectors and sinners often understood this truth better than the religious leaders of their time. They embraced the grace extended to them, while many believers struggle to accept their identity as children of God.

Growing into Our Inheritance

It’s essential to recognize that an heir differs nothing from a slave while they are a child. The full inheritance is only manifested when we come to maturity. This is a critical point for those grappling with sin and feeling defeated. Until we mature in our faith, we may not look any different than those still caught in sin.

As believers, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and draw near to Him. Worship Him, emulate Him, and allow His life to be reproduced in us. The struggles we face are not meant to define us but to drive us towards maturity in Christ. When we embrace our identity in Him, we gain the courage to confront our shortcomings and run to the Father, rather than away from Him.

The Importance of Identity in Christ

Our identity in Christ is crucial for overcoming sin and living a victorious life. When we acknowledge our mistakes, we should not wallow in guilt but rather run to our Father who is ready to forgive and restore us. Adam and Eve hid from God after their sin, but our response should be different. We need to approach Him boldly, knowing that through Christ, we have access to His presence.

When we grasp the depth of God’s love for us, we are empowered to live differently. The love of the Father transforms our hearts, enabling us to break free from the cycle of sin and shame. We can experience true communion with Him, which leads to gratitude and a desire to live for His glory.

Imitating Christ and the Apostolic Example

The Apostle Paul provides a compelling example of what it means to live out our inheritance. In 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, he encourages believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ. This is a bold statement, but it reflects the confidence he had in the transformative power of the gospel. Paul was passionate about leading others to maturity in Christ, and we are called to do the same.

What does it look like to imitate Christ? It means making it our aim to be well-pleasing to God, as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:9. This is not about legalism or duty; it’s about a passionate love for the Father that drives our actions. We must seek to understand the principles that helped Paul live so radically for Christ and apply them in our own lives.

Understanding the Father’s Business

As we reflect on our role in the Father’s business, we recognize that God is actively working to reconcile a broken world. He desires to raise up sons and daughters who reflect His heart and bring hope to those around them. The world is yearning for the revelation of God’s children, and we have a part to play in that.

The legacy we leave for future generations should be one of faith, hope, and love. Just as Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, sought to leave a meaningful inheritance to his children, we too must consider what we are passing on. Our actions, our faith, and our love for God should resonate deeply in the lives of those who come after us.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Predestination

As we celebrate this Father’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible truth of our predestination. We have been chosen and called by God to be conformed to the image of His Son. This is not just a theological concept; it’s a profound reality that should shape our lives.

Let us run to our Heavenly Father, embracing our identity as His children. May we live in a way that honors Him and reflects His heart to the world around us. Together, let’s commit to growing in maturity, imitating Christ, and participating in the Father’s business of reconciliation and redemption.

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Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures out there! May your hearts be filled with the love of the Father today and always.