Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves (Psm

"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves" (Psm. 100:3). "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). "... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philip. 2:12,13). So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy" (Rom. 9:16). That last passage really tells the tale my friend, and it shows very clearly why the apostle Paul stated that we should "work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling." Many look at these verses and feel nice and comfy because they have been deceived into believing that they are just simply "the elect," and that they are the "predestinated." Others, such as myself for example, read these things and feel the sobering fear of God, knowing that if God DOESN'T "work in us to will and to do of his good pleasure," we're in a lot of trouble. And not only so, but also if he TRIES to work in us that way, and we resist; we are in a LOT OF TROUBLE. Those who are puffed up on their religious affiliation's brand of predestination and "eternal security," don't believe they can lose out with God because they have been fed a line that has made them believe they are on the inside track, and everyone else is either lost, or will be doggone lucky to make it in. The bottom line in that delusion is a lack of willingness to be accountable for one's actions.

The Bible is repeatedly clear with the reality that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (II Cor. 5:10). Yet so many of God's people have this misled idea that they are just automatically predestinated as the elect, and cannot be lost, regardless of how they finish their course; and regardless of whether their works bear witness with their faith (Jas. 2:14,17,20). Maybe more folks should read on a little further, where it says; "For whom he did FOREKNOW, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son" (Rom. 8:29). Predestination is according to God's foreknowledge of those whom he saw ahead of time would "endure [in obedience] till the end" (MK. 13:13). And who is the real elect of God? "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure" (II Pet. 2:10). So the true elect are those who continue to "purify [themselves] even as he is pure," until the end of their lives, thus "making their calling and election sure." Or maybe a lot of people just need to earnestly consider the words of Jesus, who told us; "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" (Lk. 13:24). I'm certain this is what he also meant when he said this: "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Mat. 22:14). I don't know about you friend, but that sounds a mighty lot like, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." What we really need is a whole lot more people who are willing to seek after God, and study the scriptures with a whole lot more honesty and humility. Amen.