And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:30:
For many people, living in this world is burdensome. Many believers struggle day to day to survive because of the oppressive circumstances forced upon them. For some, the idea of a glorious life can seem like a myth—pie in the sky, if you will. Yet the Bible teaches that believers are predestined for a glorious life in heaven.
The Christian hope for eternal glory has often been criticized by non-believers as a fairytale. Some have even labeled Christians as religious fools for hoping to go to heaven. They surmise that life on earth is all there is, and those who are hoping for life after death are delusional.
But for those of us who believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are not ashamed of our hope of eternal glory. On the contrary, we live with a spirit of expectation because we know the time will come when we will exit time to enter into eternity. True believers are convinced this life is but a part of their eternal existence. They are convinced they will be glorified in the heavenly realm either during the rapture or when they die.
The Christian hopeful expectation of eternal glory is grounded in biblical passages like Romans 8:30, which says, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” To be predestined does not mean believers get to cruise their way to heaven without dealing with life’s adversities. We experience the same heartaches as non-believers. But because we have been called, we know we will be justified and glorified by Christ, our Redeemer.
How do believers know they have been predestined for eternal glory? Because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one who justified us. Without the death and resurrection of Christ, humanity would have remained in a state of rebellion against God and destined for eternal damnation in hell. Jesus changed our eternal destination and justified us with his blood.
During this Christmas season, believers are not only celebrating the birth of Jesus but they are also reminded that they are predestined for heavenly glory. Most Christians will live ordinary life on earth. But our heavenly life will be glorious as we will abide in the presence of Almighty God forevermore. In the meantime, we must continue to do Jesus’ great commission work so we can encourage others who are out of fellowship with Christ but have been predestined by God for heavenly glory to enter a relationship of loving union with God before it is too late.
The greatest human tragedy is for anyone to leave this earth without accepting the invitation for heavenly glory through Christ Jesus. Indeed, my heart aches to think that billions of people have chosen to reject Jesus and forfeit the eternal glory reserved for those who confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior. Therefore, it is paramount to be intentional in proclaiming the good news of the gospel for the salvation of the lost.
Christmas is the best invitation for non-believers to come to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ. It is a powerful message about our creator’s commitment to reunite His creation with Himself. Believers celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm not because of the earthly gifts we give and receive, but because of the glorious life awaiting us in the heavenly abode.
Questions for Personal Reflection
What does it mean to you to be predestined for heavenly glory?
How is your life reflecting your eternal hope?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for the promise of eternal glory given to me through Christ Jesus. Please continue to fan the flame of the Holy Spirit in my soul so I can rejoice through hardships and continue to do your great commission work until you call me from labor to reward. Amen!