Today's Devotion: In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Co 11:25)

This verse makes up a part of the Words of Institution that are used by the Episcopal priest to consecrate the Blessed Sacrament. One of the purposes of this section of Paul's epistle to the Corinthians is a discussion of worship that Paul brings to the church at Corinth. Paul teaches us that we are to commemorate the Last Supper.

Today's Comments: Actually I should call this section "yesterday's comments" because of the ecumenical event that I attended yesterday at the Episcopal Cathedral Center. It was a conference of Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Greek Orthodox Christians, and it is the idea of what Holy Communion means that separates us from sharing the Blessed Sacrament together at the Lord's Table. Although the focus of the conference was on the study of Paul and his letters, the theme of hospitality was noticeable throughout the conference. In the early church, part of Christian fellowship, as it often is in some churches today, is based upon the sharing of food and drink, the most important food and drink, of course, being the Body and Blood of Christ. And without an agreement with respect to the nature of that sharing, we should not expect to see unity in the church, even though Jesus prayed that we all should be one.

Today's Devotion: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all (or every)  sin. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Jn 1:7)

John here reminds us of the basic truths of our lives and our relationship with the Lord. If, as Christians, we are in fellowship with the Lord, we must also be in fellowship with other Christians. There is no alternate state of things.

Today's Comments: How can we Episcopalians be in fellowship with other Christians if we are trying to sue the pants off one another? Is that walking in the light? It is only because of the blood that Christ shed for us that we remain in Him. If we allow our state of conflict between us and our Christian brothers to interfere with our relationship with God, however, we are failing miserably in obedience and seriously put that relationship with God at risk.

Today's Devotion: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ro 8:37)

We are more than conquerors. We are God's chosen people and through him, we have received the gift of eternal life.

Today's Comments: Being "more than conquerors" means that there is nothing that can come between Christ and us because of the love that God has for us. Although not everything that will happen to us will necessarily be perceived as good, all things that happen to us will contribute to our good so that we may become more Christ-like as we progress. Although I feel myself to be far from that state of Christ-likeness, I pray that I will come more under the influence of God so that I can become better day by day.

Today's Devotion: We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 2 Co 5:20)

As Paul talked to the Church in Corinth, a church that was deeply divided by doctrinal disputes, the use of spiritual gifts, and rampant immorality, so Paul talks to the Church today, still divided by serious issues.

Today's Comments: So, what's new? The church today is still plagued by the same divisions that it was then, in Paul's time, perhaps even more so. Rather than looking for the things that unite us (the ministry of Jesus Christ), we focus on things that divide us--- doctrinal issues that may not be that important, at all. As ambassadors of Christ, we much put aside those things that divide us as men and preach those things that unite us in Christ--- the Gospel.

Today's Devotion: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 2 Co 5:17).

According to the Bible Reader's Companion, Paul calls all to remind us that every believer is created anew in God's righteousness.

Today's Comments: In Jesus Christ, God has done everything for us so that we are brought into harmony with Him just by believing. We should remember that Paul, himself, was a sinner who persecuted the followers of Jesus with uttermost persistence. And yet, Paul experienced in his "new creation" the forgiveness that comes with faith in God and belief from the heart. Through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit we are recreated in Christ and are forgiven by Him for our transgressions.

Today's Devotion: A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Pr 29:1)

Stubbornness does not help us. We need to listen, especially to what God is saying to us.

Today's Comments: One needs to heed rebuke, when it is given. If we do not, punishment may not come right away, but it will come sooner or later. This one passage is a sign for our time. For so many years, we have allowed our greed to keep hold of us. We thought that we could beat inflation by investing in the stock market, for example, but our greed to make money by investing in anything and everything has now cost us dearly. Many of our investments have lost forty percent of their value, or more. If we heavily invested in financial stocks or companies like General Motors, we lost almost all. Despite the fact that we were warned, we failed to listen. And, if we fail to listen to God's rebukes and warnings, we may find ourselves in danger of losing more than just our wealth.

Today's Devotion: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Mk 16:17-18)

After the crucifixion, when Jesus appeared to the eleven, He spoke these words, telling them that God gives those who believe the power to heal and to do signs in His name.

Today's Comments: According to the New Bible Commentary, one should not expect all Christians to have this power of healing. But when we see it, we should accept these signs from the Kingdom of God gratefully. Remember, even the disciples at that time were skeptical, these words were given to them to encourage and exhort. So they are also for us. And when we see such works done in the name of Jesus in the world, we should rejoice and be comforted, because they remind us that the Kingdom of God is close at hand.

Today's Devotion: Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Heb 1:14). This is one of several passages in the Bible which talks about angels. God sends his angels to comfort us.

Today's Comments: What are angels? My Logos bible program defines them as follows:

an•gel \ˈān-jəl\ n
[ME, fr. OE engel & AF angele; both fr. LL angelus, fr. Gk angelos, lit., messenger] bef. 12c
1 a : a spiritual being superior to humans in power and intelligence esp : one in the lowest rank in the celestial hierarchy
b pl : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
2 : an attendant spirit or guardian
3 : a usu. white-robed winged figure of human form in fine art
4 : messenger, harbinger 〈angel of death〉

For those who do not believe in Angels, the following references in the Bible should suggest that their unbelief is in error:

Angels.
1. Created by God and Christ. Ne 9:6; Col 1:16.
2. Worship God and Christ. Ne 9:6; Php 2:9-11; Heb 1:6.
3. Are ministering Spirits. 1Ki 19:5; Ps 68:17; 104:4; Lu 16:22; Ac 12:7-11; 27:23; Heb 1:7,14.
4. Communicate the will of God and Christ. Da 8:16,17; 9:21-23; 10:11; 12:6,7; Mt 2:13,20; Lu 1:19,28; Ac 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Re 1:1.
5. Obey the will of God. Ps 103:20; Mt 6:10.
6. Execute the purposes of God. Nu 22:22; Ps 103:21; Mt 13:39-42; 28:2; Joh 5:4; Re 5:2.
7. Execute the judgments of God. 2Sa 24:16; 2Ki 19:35; Ps 35:5,6; Ac 12:23; Re 16:1.
8. Celebrate the praises of God. Job 38:7; Ps 148:2; Isa 6:3; Lu 2:13,14; Re 5:11,12; 7:11,12.
9. The law given by the ministration of. Ps 68:17; Ac 7:53; Heb 2:2.
10. Announced
a. The conception of Christ. Mt 1:20,21; Lu 1:31.
b. The birth of Christ. Lu 2:10-12.
c. The resurrection of Christ. Mt 28:5-7; Lu 24:23.
d. The ascension and second coming of Christ. Ac 1:11.
e. The conception of John the Baptist. Lu 1:13,36.
11. Minister to Christ. Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43; Joh 1:51.
12. Are subject to Christ. Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; 2:10; 1Pe 3:22.
13. Shall execute the purposes of Christ. Mt 13:41; 24:31.
14. Shall attend Christ at his second coming. Mt 16:27; 25:31; Mr 8:38; 2Th 1:7.
15. Know and delight in the gospel of Christ. Eph 3:9,10; 1Ti 3:16; 1Pe 1:12.
16. Ministration of, obtained by prayer. Mt 26:53; Ac 12:5,7.
17. Rejoice over every repentant sinner. Lu 15:7,10.
18. Have charge over the children of God. Ps 34:7; 91:11,12; Da 6:22; Mt 18:10.
19. Are of different orders. Isa 6:2; 1Th 4:16; 1Pe 3:22; Jude 1:9; Re 12:7.
20. Not to be worshipped. Col 2:18; Re 19:10; 22:9.
21. Are examples of meekness. 2Pe 2:11; Jude 1:9.
22. Are wise. 2Sa 14:20.
23. Are mighty. Ps 103:20.
24. Are holy. Mt 25:31.
25. Are elect. 1Ti 5:21.
26. Are innumerable. Job 25:3; Heb 12:22.
Torrey, R.A.: The New Topical Text Book : A Scriptural Text Book for the Use of Ministers, Teachers, and All Christian Workers. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos research Systems, Inc., 1995, c1897

Thus, angels are important to us and should not be overlooked. May the angels of God be with us and comfort us in all of our travail and troubles.

Today's Devotion: Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Prov. 3:34) (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Pe 5:5)

According to The Teacher's Commentary, Peter's first letter is organized around the theme of submission and suffering. God does not intend to trip us up. Instead he allows us to express the genuineness of our faith. At the same time, we receive training in both behavior and obedience. Even then, however, hope predominates. Yet, through our training, we learn to live in humility, and in humility, we learn to obey God.

Today's Comments: Harpers Bible Dictionary says the following about "humility": humility, in the biblical world a value that directs persons to stay within their inherited social status, specifically by not presuming on others and avoiding even the appearance of lording over another. Humble persons do not threaten or challenge another’s rights, nor do they claim more for themselves than has been duly allotted them in life. They even stay a step below or behind their rightful status (e.g., the ‘unworthy’ John the Baptist, Mark 1:7). Thus humility is a socially acknowledged claim to neutrality in the competition of life. Conversely, to attempt to better oneself at the expense of others, to acquire more than others, to strive for honors others currently enjoy are all instances of proud and arrogant behavior. (Bruce J. Malina, Ph. D.; Professor, Department of Theology; Creighton University; Omaha, Nebraska - Achtemeier, Paul J. ; Harper & Row, Publishers ; Society of Biblical Literature: Harper's Bible Dictionary. 1st ed. San Francisco : Harper & Row, 1985, S. 411)

It sure seems a bit hard to be humble these days, doesn't it? My ex-girlfriend, Esther, accuses me of my lack of humility and suggests that I cannot be a good deacon, as a result. Unfortunately, I think that she is right. If I am to progress in my ministry, I am going to have to learn humility in a way that I never learned it before. I am going to have to practice it. I am going to have to curb my temper and be more accepting of what I get from others and, especially from God. A deacon is the example of servant leadership, and humility is the trademark of a servant.

Today's Devotion: For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Pe 1:23)

In this verse, Peter is talking to the diaspora, or those Christians who have been scattered like seeds in a world that is hostile world to Christianity. Yet, we are born again, not as seed to be trampled and destroyed, but as seed to grow and mature through the guarantee of life that God gives to us in Jesus Christ.

Today's Comments: Here is another passage which reminds us that we are different from the rest of the world. We were planted in the garden of this world to be nurtured by God. We have a purpose, and God has a plan for us, and as we grow in Christ, we grow into maturity according to that plan. Thus, we are born again in God and are destined to fulfill His purpose.

Today's Devotion: 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Heb 5:12-6:1)

The writer of Hebrews is urging those to whom he writes to leave the elementary fundamentals of their education and progress on to further teaching in the faith.

Today's Comments: Christianity does not stop at baptism. That is where it begins. There is a maturing process which all Christians need to go through, and when we fail to grasp the elementary precepts of the faith, we cannot progress. In other words, it takes work to be a Christian. Sunday services are not enough. We must make ourselves willing and able to do more. Only then will we progress and move on to the solid food that the writer of Hebrews speaks about.

Today's Devotion: But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Sa 16:7)

In this passage, the Lord has given Samuel the assignment of anointing a new king to replace Saul. Samuel has been told to make contact with Jesse and anoint one of his sons to be king. Eliab was the first son that Samuel met, and Samuel thought wrongly that this might possibly be the son that God wanted him to anoint.

Today's Comments: This is the Bible's version of the saying, "don't judge the book by its cover." It tells us that we cannot necessarily rely on human senses to determine what is in one's heart. God's choice for king ended up to be a mere boy. But that mere boy whose heart was inclined to God was able, with the support and power of God, to build a kingdom like no man has seen since. Like David, with the power of God, we can do anything. Therefore, we should pray that our hearts stay inclined to God and that we live our lives in obedience to Him.

Today's Devotion: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Eph 3:20)

As members of the church, we are a family, and as a family, we are members in Christ who sends the Holy Spirit to work within us.

Today's Comment: It is when we allow Christ to work in us that we are at our best. God can do in us far more than we could ever imagine. It is through Christ that we may become rooted in love--- love for God and love for our neighbor. It is only through strengthening by the spirit that we may have the ability to do that for which we are created.

Today's Devotion: Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 2 Ti 2:3)

It is interesting that Paul, here, compares Christians with soldiers. And yet, when one thinks of obedience, the soldier is that which first comes to mind. A soldier is one who always obeys and who is willing to endure hardship for the cause and for his or her commander.

Today's Comments: It is interesting to see this passage after our discussion at our bible study, last night. We were discussing the fruits of the spirit and the fruits of the flesh, as as found in Galatians. We ended up at Jesus' last discourse, before the betrayal, in which Jesus prays that His disciples be protected from the world. And yes, all of Jesus' disciples would have to endure hardship --- most of them would suffer more than we could ever imagine. Like them, let us pray that we may be good soldiers, fighting for God. And may God grant us the wisdom and the stamina to resist the prince of the world, Satan and the will to be obedient to God under all circumstances.

Today's Devotional: Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 3 Jn 2)

John is sending greetings to his friend Gaius, to whom he wrote this epistle. It is a prelude to discussing matters with respect to the church.

Today's Comments: John's third letter emphasizes love, truth, and obedience. While John's comment about health might imply that the recipient of this letter may have some physical health issues, it also suggests that spiritual health is just as important as physical health, if not more so. So often we pray for physical health and ignore the health of the spirit. This short greeting is a reminder that we should pray for the whole person and that, like our body, our souls need nourishment and sustenance.

Today's Devotional: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jn 3:16)

In my opinion, this verse is the cornerstone of Christianity. It says everything about the love of God and about our relationship with Him.

Today's Comments: People either emphasize the transcendence or the imminence of God. We must remember that God is both creator and preserver. And this particular verse speaks to the heart of mankind's preservation. If God was just content to build the clock and set it in perpetual motion, than there would be no need for Jesus Christ, and man would be left to his own self-destruction. But, God the creator loved us enough to make sure that those who care enough to follow him would be the recipient of his ultimate gift, the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, as atonement for our sins. It is in God's imminence that He shows His love for us. And if we truly believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, we shall be given that gift of eternal life.

Today's Devotional: When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Pr 10:19)

The Bible suggests that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. We are probably better off holding our tongue, when we are not sure.

Today's Comments: As I wait for my transfer to the State Military Reserve Chaplain Corps to be approved, I was reminded by the Senior State Chaplain, "keep a low profile and don't volunteer anything irrelevant." That advice goes right along with this proverb. Holding the tongue in check, as we well know, is one of the most difficult things in the world to do. I can tell you that it is especially difficult for me. But I am learning. I pray that I will not forget.

Today's Devotional: Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jn 14:21)

This passage clearly points out the relationship between the Father, the Son, and God's creation, man. To maintain a relationship with God, we must be obedient.

Today's Comments: Boy is it hard to be obedient. There is so much temptation in the world to takes us away from God. And yet, when we finally find ourselves in need and ask for God's forgiveness, there is no hesitation, if our hearts are truly inclined. We become like the prodigal son who has strayed from our father and family, squandered our inheritance, and now beats a path back home to beg forgiveness. We become clothed in God's grace, embraced in His arms, and we return to the family of Christians who God has sanctified, or set aside, as His own.

Today's Devotion: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Heb 4:12)

It is pretty obvious that this passage that God knows everything about us, even before we say or think a word or a thought. Even though we can sometimes fool ourselves or our friends, there is no use in trying to fool God.

Today's Comments: It seems like we can only fool ourselves for so long, but there is no way that we can fool God at all. The Bible suggests that God knows everything about us. I tend to agree, especially after the argument that I had this morning with one of our clergy assistants at church. He argues that God only knows the possibility of all outcomes, not necessarily each final outcome, itself. He says that is necessary in order for man to have free choice. I could not agree any less.

To me, it seems like God can look at things from outside the sphere of time (although my friendly clergy assistant disagrees). From a single vantage point, therefore, he can see past, present, and future things, just as if He was looking at a timeline of the history of the universe, from beginning to end and saying, "I want to stop at this particular moment." In my mind, there is nothing that God does not know. And there is nothing that God does not see. or understand about us, even before we act.

Today's Devotion: 20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 2 Ch 20:20-21)

Facing overwhelming odds, the King of Judah, Jehoshaphat, was willing to put his trust in God that his kingdom would be delivered from the onslaught of enemy nations that were poised for Judah's destruction. In the resulting conflict that took place, not one Judean was killed or injured, but the enemy was totally destroyed.

Today's Comments: I wonder what those attacking troops thought when they saw Judean troops marching toward them with the singers in front lifting their voices in praise of God. Would we be willing, today, to trust God in the same way? Jehoshaphat was one of the few good kings of Judah who were willing to obey and follow the God of Israel. Our leaders today rarely follow God. In fact, they would deny God His rightful place as ruler of His own earthly kingdom. If we are to find peace in our time, we must return to God as a nation. Otherwise, we will continue to wallow in the muck of our own greed and sinfulness.

Today's Devotion: 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Ti 2:2-4)

This letter to Timothy was written during Paul's second imprisonment, where Paul is alone, abandoned, but still is concerned for his church and the young man, Timothy, who is young, inexperienced, and is trying to cope with the problems of the church, which he is trying to hold together.

Today's Comments: This is a very interesting verse from the standpoint of one who argues for the Arminian view concerning salvation. Paul says that it pleases God when we pray for anyone, because God wants all to be saved. I think that it offers hope, over and above the Calvinist view, that even the worst of sinners can be saved and that God's wish for man is that we understand His truth and repent of our sins.

Today's Devotion: 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Jn 17:15-16)

Just as Jesus was sent into the world by God the Father, so did Jesus send His disciples into the world in continuance of God's salvation plan for mankind. And, as disciples of Christ, we are set aside for the tasks that God gives to us.

Today's Comments: To be "set aside" by God means to be sanctified. Each of us given his or her mission in the world, and each of us is responsible for our actions in the world as it relates to the mission that God has given to us. We are responsible to both God and to each other. And so, as Jesus prayed for His disciples, I think that he prays, as well, for us--- that we may remain in the world, but not of the world, and that we be protected from the evil which is so prevalent in the world.

Today's Devotion: David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Sa 17:26)

These are the words of future King David. They are words of confidence: first, that he is on the side of the God of Israel and second, that he knows that the God who is on his side will protect him against this nine foot monster of a man.

Today's Comments: So often we come up against our own monsters. And yet, we forget sometimes that we are on God's side, for if we remembered, we would know that God will guide us, despite the danger. But, we must also remember, we do not guide God, He guides us. We can't take God to where we want to go. Instead, we must allow God to take us to where He wants us to go. That was the difference between David and Saul, and we must learn this from scripture. It is also what I must learn with respect to my rejection for transfer to the Chaplain Corps of the State Military Reserve, despite the promise that I would qualify as soon as I completed 36 units of study at Talbot. Is this a "no," or am I supposed to wait? Whatever I do, I must trust in the Lord that whatever happens, it will be his will.

Today's Devotion: For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ro 8:29)

This passage is often used to justify the predestination of souls to heaven. Others view it in terms of encouragement and perseverance to hope.

Today's Comments: The Calvinist view suggests that we were chosen by God from the beginning of time, or from before our birth, as an elect person to participate in His heavenly kingdom. The Arminian view suggests that our predestination is solely the result of a foreknowledge that God has about all human beings concerning their salvation. In other words, God knew from the beginning who would be accepting of His grace.

I certainly prefer the Arminian view. I think that it makes more sense, considering the fact that in both the New and Old Testament, God tolerated much more that we were entitled to expect from Him, before He exercised punishment against man. But reality suggests that we have no way of ever knowing how God thinks. Instead, we should focus on trying to do His will and guide ourselves accordingly. For in the end, it is God's will that is most important, and we are put forth on this world to please God. And we must trust in God that he knows our hearts and will give us what we truly and justly deserve.