The Bible talks about people being chosen by God “before the foundation of the world.” It makes a strong declaration that He made a choice that affects the saved of all generations. It does not refer to the Calvinistic doctrine of God choosing who would be saved and who would not.

Before He ever created the world, God decided that those who are going to be saved will be “holy and without blame” in His eyes through His love. He starts the process by putting us into His family (adopting those who believe).

In salvation, because of Christ’s payment for sin, God takes the filthy sinner and forgives them of their sin, makes that person His child, and then makes them holy. Holiness occurs in a two-fold way. First, there is the way God sees us because we are “in Christ” – spotless and without blame. Secondly, God wants us to choose to live holy by being separate from the world and choosing to live pleasing to Him in all we do. It is a lifelong process.

God’s plan of working this way in the believer’s life is “according to the good pleasure of his will.” It is the best way. God never chooses any way less than the best way. It leaves us with a free choice to love Him – or forsake Him – as some have done.

Thank God that all who sincerely come to Christ for salvation are instantly and forever saved. Whether you get saved to not is a choice you must make. Once saved, though, He will work on you to help you fulfill His unchanging plan of making you “holy and without blame before him in love.”

Christian, are you helping Him fulfill His plan for your life? Remember that He came to give you an “abundant life,” and it is a joyful life. The old song says: “Let Him have His way with thee.”

God sent Jeremiah to the potter’s house to learn a lesson so that he might share a Divine truth to Israel. It is a lesson everyone needs to learn.

This verse reveals several things:

1. The Potter Makes Vessels – Although this is obvious, it is important to realize that he is in it for a business. He is not interested in making trash. His reputation is in the vessels he makes and the quality he gives to each one. Although we cannot always see the way that God, our Heavenly Potter makes us, He has an intended purpose for each – which can only be fully realized after salvation and being yielded to His plan.

2. The Potter Has a Plan from the Beginning – Before the Potter even starts his work, he has a design in mind that he will set out to accomplish. He intends to work on that particular piece of pottery until it is molded the way he wants. In the same way, our Heavenly Potter has promised that He will make each of us to be like His Son.

3. The Potter’s Plan Is Unalterable – The Potter does not ask the clay what it wants to be. His plan is not going to be changed. He is the master over the clay, and he knows how to achieve the desired result. The Divine Potter has a plan for each one of us and we need to let Him do His work in our lives – for His glory and not our own. Are you letting Him do His work?

More tomorrow!