Appointed To Life

Paul says that at some point in the past, the ancient past, even before time began, the everlasting God appointed us to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1Ths 5:9).  He who framed the universe and set the ocean boundaries ordained this great salvation in the far reaches of eternity for His children.  Right up front the apostle rejects the devilish lie that God is harsh and uncaring.  Emphatically Paul declares that God did not destine us for wrath!  Long before we drew our first breath the Ancient of Days had our eternal well-being in view, even long before the mountains were formed.  His plan was to accomplish this salvation through Christ who had been beside Him like a master workman, daily His delight, always rejoicing before Him in the inhabited world and the children of man (Prv 8:30-31).  Wisdom Himself, the eternal Son of God, eagerly awaited the fullness of time when He would fulfill His Father’s purpose in dying on behalf of beloved sinners.  That is why we will live (1Ths 5:10).  We will not perish but live!  Whether Jesus returns before or after we lay down in the dust, we will live with Him in unimaginable, never-ending glory.  This is the future destiny of believers.  Quite apart from ourselves there was Another, the great God who abounds in steadfast love, who decreed our salvation from before the foundation of the world.  What a joyful, heart-warming truth!  The prize is won.  Heaven awaits.  Our King will come.  Let us rejoice.