Marie’s daily verse:  Psalm 29:11: May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!

DAILY DEVOTION, September 29, 2024

Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will (Ephesians 1:5).

Predestination, a term that may unsettle some, is a source of great comfort for us as Christians. It signifies that God has preordained a plan in His infinite wisdom. At its core, this plan is centered around His Son, Jesus. It is God’s divine will that all who trust Jesus are not just accepted but fully adopted into the family of God. Through our faith, we are liberated from our old father, Satan. As Christians, we are endowed with all the rights and privileges inherent to God’s children, providing us with a deep sense of security and belonging.

Some interpret predestination as God’s predetermined choice of who would be saved and who would be lost. They believe that God acted to convert those predestined to salvation while disregarding the lost. While I may not align with this perspective, I respect those who hold it. I, however, believe that God predestined a plan to save all those who would place their trust in His Son. When we encounter the Gospel, the good news, and entrust our faith in Jesus, our Messiah and Savior, God welcomes us into His family. It is the plan that is predestined, not the individuals. This understanding can inspire profound hope and a transformative sense of personal identity in us.

Why adopted? Are we not all children of God? No, we are not! We are born into this world with an inclination to do our own thing, ignoring God. We become children of God by adoption when we trust in Jesus. This adoption is not a mere formality but a profound blessing that signifies our acceptance into God’s family, with all the rights and privileges that come with it.

Father, I am deeply grateful to You for adopting me as Your child. I confess that before I received Jesus, my life was a mess. Thank You for loving me and forgiving me. Thank You for Jesus, who did everything necessary to make me into Your child. In His name, I pray, Amen.