There have been many arguments concerning whether we are predestined to be saved. This is the prattle of children. We have been predestined to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ that we might be His brothers!

Does this mean no matter what we do our future is engraved in steel? Of course not! There are numerous passages in the New Testament, especially in the Book of Hebrews, that warn the members of the royal priesthood of the danger of not pressing through to the fullness of that to which we have been called.

We already have been justified and glorified. But in between justification and glorification there is the long, wearying, boring, difficult, challenging march through the wilderness. It is perfectly possible to die, as did the Jews, before we gain our inheritance. To teach otherwise is to deny several passages of the New Testament.

Each saint (holy one) of God has been positioned at the right hand of God, ready to appear with Christ and govern all the works of God's hands. Thus we have a dual personality. A substantial part of our life is on the earth in our human body and soul. Another very real part of our life, our new born-again nature, is of Christ and is at the right hand of God in Heaven. Christ is our life, the Bible says.

Now the struggle is to deny our life on the earth and to pay attention to establishing our new life in the seat of power in Heaven. It is in this struggle that the future kings and priests are created.

Satan and his angels will strive ceaselessly to distract us so we cultivate our life on earth to the neglect of our life in Heaven. If he is successful we will be torn down during the shaking. If he is not successful, if we prevail, then we shall have attained the first resurrection from the dead, the resurrection of the priesthood.

Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6—NIV)

But won't all of God's elect end up as members of the governing priesthood? Perhaps yes, although it is not good to trifle with God's calling. Remember the parable of the talents!

But in the present hour God is calling for His highest and best. The conflict of the ages is upon us and the thrones shall be taken by those who follow Christ with total diligence and obedience.

God has reserved His wrath until the end of the Church Age, which is upon us. After the great tribulation the Lord Jesus will call together His elect from the far corners of the heavens and from the earth. Those who have prepared themselves will be caught up to become part of the slain Lamb who then will have appeared in the sky above us.

To be continued.