In Ephesians 1:11 God says, “In Him (Jesus) also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” Every person that has been born from Adam through the end of the world has the promise of eternal life (2 Peter 3:9), IF they will receive Jesus’ free gift of salvation. The repeated phrase, “the counsel of His own will, implies God’s everlasting and ceaseless plan that has been in motion since the foundation of the world can never be changed. It means we have solid ground and strong purpose for living. (Eph. 1:1, 5, 9, 11)
God gives us a choice in life to receive or reject Him. (John 1:12) God already knows what choices we will make—to serve or to decline His offer of salvation. Rest in this truth, God’s purpose for your life cannot be spoiled by Satan. Jesus is the Sovereign God who is absolutely in control! (Colossians 1:16-20; cf. Hebrews 1:2-3, 8, 10-12) Do not forget, Jesus is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings! (Revelation 19:16)
Jesus is “the Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End…who was and is and is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8) God says in 1 Peter 5:5-10, “…may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” In light of God’s eternal glory to come, our trials are temporary. Our suffering here will unlock God’s Glory to be revealed in heaven. (1 Peter 4:12-19) Our eternal home does not include suffering! (Revelation 21:3-7; cf. Acts 4:27-28)