Salvation, September 18, 2008

Salvation, September 18, 2008
Jesus... lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, "as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. "And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.
"Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.
"For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
"I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
"And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.

John 17:1-26, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, this prayer, to the Father, clarifies for us, Your mission. You came to declare the truth to all nations. We know, Jesus, that You have been given all authority and that in the end, mankind will be judged by You.

Jesus, since God knew who would respond to His love, because of His Omniscience, knowing all things, knowing the beginning from the end, You have told us here that not one soul will be lost who responds to the message of salvation. We also see that the ball is in our court. It is our volition that permits us to choose righteousness over evil, love over hate and fidelity over infidelity.

Help us this day to exercise the right of choice and to choose wisely, knowing that the choice we make is of eternal significance. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell