DESTINY

WHY ARE YOU HERE ON EARTH?

The burning question in the heart of most is WHY? Saved or lost, we all desire that our lives have purpose and that we know that our existence has meaning. We innately know that our identity reflects our purpose, but too many have struggled in the knowledge of their identity, much less their purpose.

BUT HOW DO WE KNOW OUR EXISTENCE IS MEANINGFUL?

The importance or purpose of our lives lies in our knowledge of our Creator. GOD is Perfect! Everything that GOD does is Perfect! He always acts in perfect wisdom, perfect love and perfect justice. GOD cannot change or depart from perfection ever or He cannot be Holy GOD.

Man says but, “How can GOD be good? There is evil on the earth!” We read in the Scriptures, however, that the source of all evil on the earth was NOT GOD! In its creation the world was perfect and NOT evil, “And GOD looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good” (GNS 1:31).

Evil originated from a source other than GOD and always destroys, within and without, ever corrupted from the pure and holy goodness of GOD. “Thus says the LORD GOD, ‘You (Satan) had the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…14 You were on the mountain of GOD. You walked in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until unrighteousness was found in you”’ (EZK 28:12, 14,15). Satan in his creation was an holy, anointed cherub with great power and influence. So much so, he thought he could be GOD. “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to Heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of GOD and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north’” (ISH 14:13).

Satan’s pride corrupted him and he has become the enemy of GOD, provoking many other fallen angels in joining his campaign of rebellion against the kingdom of GOD and His heirs (man). Evil embodies hate, destruction and chaos, everything opposite to GOD Himself. Evil cannot persist forever, because evil eventually destroys, even itself, in a continuing state of disintegration and corruption which cannot be stopped. The fallen ones continue in a downward spiral of decay of their power, morality, wisdom and the beauty in which they were created. That is one reason they hate man and interfere with anything that prospers man and that includes corrupting earth, animals, plants and man and doing anything else possible in thwarting the blessings of GOD toward mankind.

But GOD is Good and Perfect! Everything made by Him was made in perfect balance and harmony with specific function. Nothing made exists without use or purpose, including man, and yes, every man. Every man and woman is precious in the site of our Creator. Even though GOD’s creation appears presently corrupted, in its origin it was made perfect and good. GOD created each of us with purpose and function and gifts that we may perform that function perfectly.

You are NOT an accident or a random happening! GOD purposefully chose your destiny, your nationality, your family tree, your appearance, your special gifts and talents, where and when you were to be born. Nothing concerning you was neglected. You were carefully planned before the foundation of the earth, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (EPH 2:10).

We read in Psalm 139:15-16 (NLT), “You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” In other words, before our birth, GOD wrote a book of destiny for each of us.

Our books of Destiny contain not the things which we have done, but the things which GOD gave us for our work on the earth. GOD cannot write anything unwell about us, predictively, or it would certainly come to pass; He must write only the good works He chose for each of us. Our books of destiny tell of our overcoming sojourn on earth and our guardian angels’ work in helping us in the fulfillment of the things which GOD wrote about us. Our books only contain the good works GOD assigned to us. Each of us, though we be billions, have a specific and unique book.

That does not mean that the forces of evil have not interfered with GOD’s plan for you. The LORD planned for you good parents, good teachers, a healthy body and enough sustenance for the prospering of your life and development. However, that’s not the devil’s plan for you. More on that later.

Let’s look at 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “Now may the GOD of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete.” Man is a hybrid creature of spirit, soul and flesh/body, made in the image of GOD Himself (GNS 12:26-7) and formed that the will of GOD might operate in him and that the power of GOD might flow through him.

Man was created for intimacy with GOD and with the capacity for appreciating GOD and walking in dominion upon the earth (GNS 1:26), bringing Heaven’s kingdom and economy to the earth. In order that GOD’s kingdom on earth might operate perfectly, it became necessary that man become flesh and soul and spirit. A creature of only flesh, as the animals, could not have intimate fellowship with GOD; Who is Spirit, fellowship necessary for receiving direction and the power for fulfilling that direction. A creature of purely spirit could not rule for the ruler of the earth needs the ability of seeing and feeling, experiencing the needs of those whom he rules and making wise decisions concerning them. He needs feeling like GOD feels and perception and wisdom like GOD’s wisdom.

Man’s spirit, therefore, received a body of flesh, a housing for his spirit, and a soul, consisting of the mind, will, and emotions, capable of making decisions independently from GOD, and allowing man the choice of serving and loving GOD or rejecting and ignoring His direction. GOD’s nature compels Him in love toward man because GOD is Love (1 JHN 4:8). However, GOD gave man the option of returning that love or not. Man became a unique creature who might operate in and appreciate both the physical and spiritual realms. The born-again man has a foot in both worlds, as we might say. The unredeemed man can only operate in flesh.

Man’s creation especially accommodated him for fellowship with GOD (1 JHN 1:5-2:22) and dominion over the earth. In that process, not only did spirits take on flesh that they might be lifted up to GOD, but GOD took on flesh that He might condescend to man, drawing the two nearer. Only through GOD’s condescending sacrifice may man find that special purpose for his creation.

However, some, even though saved, find no joy in their lives because they function in ways unsuitable for the fulfillment of their creative purpose. Therefore, they grope for meaning in physical and spiritual excitement and attempts of rationalizing the WORD of GOD that it may fit their understanding and lifestyle. The unsatisfied innate hunger for intimacy with GOD results in a person’s attempt of finding satisfaction in selfish activities or addictive behavior, whether to alcohol, drugs or sex, etc. These things may serve as distractions, but cannot and never will satisfy the place that only GOD fills.

Although man, uniquely equipped for functioning in both the physical and spiritual realms, SHOULD walk in dominion, too many Christians have no revelation of HOW they can function in their spiritual roles or walk in the light of Christ (GAL 5:16; JHN 12:35). Therefore, too many churches are without power and witness. Their members remain ignorant that GOD desires an intimate and personal walk with them.

ONE CANNOT KNOW HIS PURPOSE IF HE DOES

NOT KNOW HIS CREATOR PERSONALLY!

Adam and Eve walked with GOD in the cool of every evening before the Fall (GNS 3:8). Those walks included discussions of their roles on earth, which needed refreshing since their incarnation, and information about their new world and the government of that new world. GOD personally took on the task of instructing them in all needful things and “debriefing” each of their days. Although the Scriptures include no details of it, those evening visits may have been the only times of GOD’s physical manifestation before them, but not necessarily their only communication with Him. We later see Enoch also walked with GOD after the fall (GNS 5:22-24). This text implies a continuing action of communion with GOD.

It seems amazing that GOD desires and enjoys fellowship with man and created man with “eternity in his heart” (ECC 3:11) that may only be satisfied in a relationship with the Eternal GOD. We have a built-in emptiness or longing, which finds completion only in GOD and which remains unsatisfied until GOD fills it. Man seeks fulfillment of his desires as a means of achieving “happiness,” but as Solomon writes, no matter how successful one may be, or how rich, or wise, without GOD all is vanity (ECC 2:1). The concept that we must give up our selfish desires and pleasures and give ourselves to GOD for satisfaction seems counter to the purpose, but that is the truth and the heart of the matter.

That also shows why Solomon (the richest and most powerful king who ever lived in this writer’s opinion) wrote that all the various activities of man reflected “striving after the wind” (ECC 1:14, 2:11), in other words, “empty.” Which explains exactly how men in that position feel, “empty” and why GOD our Savior desires we find rest in Him (MTH 11:28-30). None of man’s “pacifiers” do anything more than temporarily dulling the pain of a meaningless existence. The search for something that softens the pain, even slightly, manifests in our society as the rampant use of alcohol, drugs, power and sex and why some turn to witchcraft for the power and excitement which Adam lost.

When a spirit comes to earth as a man for his testing, he forgets from where he came and why he came or that he ever desired coming to earth. He doesn’t remember his desire for a chance of becoming a man and most importantly, he doesn’t remember his assigned destiny while on earth, for we all come with specific assignments as prerequisite to our coming (GAL 1:15; ISH 49:1; JRM 1:4-5, EPH 2:10). The only way we know these things again comes in re-establishing contact with the One Who Sent us.

Our primary purpose and first test upon earth consists of whether or not we seek GOD for salvation. Our first priority on earth then is finding salvation in GOD and re-establishing a relationship with GOD. The Holy Spirit of GOD (Ruach ha’ Qodesh), breathed into Adam at his creation, establishing a direct connection and communion with GOD, spirit to Spirit. When Adam and Eve fell, GOD’s Holy Spirit left for He cannot abide in rebellious flesh and man found himself “naked,” that is, without the covering of glory in which he was created and the loss of the presence of GOD. Only when man once again acknowledges GOD as his LORD and Savior does Holy Spirit re-enter, once again establishing communion with GOD, resulting in a man born-again.

Only those spirit-men who successfully pass that first test of finding salvation acquire a chance of spending eternity in the heavens. Many pass that first test, but others who do not must go into the eternal judgment of Hell, initially created for fallen angels. They have wasted their time, energy and gifts on earth in selfish pursuits and not sought GOD, or worshipped things other than their Creator or turned to evil and not sought the destinies for which they were created.

Finding the salvation of GOD is important and life-changing, but for some, a little knowledge of GOD and some sense of belonging to Him, represents the whole of their perceived goal and experience. Heaven should not be our goal—Heaven is just the background for the “Pearl of Great Price.” Salvation merely opens the door (JHN 10:9) to the spiritual realm and intimacy with GOD. Those who find their comfort in salvation ONLY remain “outer court” Christians and miss many of the blessings of the beautiful destinies which GOD wrote for them.

Sadly, the work of GOD the Spirit (Holy Spirit) has been rejected by some Christians, but the path of one’s destiny requires one traverse it with the assistance of GOD the Spirit. Unless one receives the infilling of GOD the Spirit and yes, with the evidence of spiritual tongues, one cannot pray adequately the things needful for revelation, transformation, intimacy and protection. The Spirit also ALWAYS prays the perfect will of GOD and prays in perfect wisdom, much needed if one desires progressing towards one’s destiny for the hordes of Hell fight against anyone seeking intimacy with GOD. Without this gift, one remains without the power and authority which GOD freely gave us and remains limited in revelation from GOD regarding one’s written destiny.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (EPH 3:20). We often quote the beginning of that verse, but not often the end, “according to the power that works within us,” which also reflects an important truth, we must be vessels which hold GOD’s authority and power. The LORD’s sacrifice on the cross purchased the power for living a supernatural life, for literally becoming supermen and women among those in this world.

Our guardian angels wait for our prayers concerning the written works of our destiny so they may act upon them and assist us with their attainment. We MUST have the wise and all-knowing prayers of Holy Spirit that we may move forward in health, wholeness, revelation, transformation, safety, power and holiness in the absolute perfect will of GOD. GOD foreknew the battles his children might face and the gift of “tongues” compensates for any advantage the enemy might possess (1 COR 14:4-6).

Some accept the gift of salvation with joy, but spend most of their time in the pursuit of satisfying the needs and desires of their lives with GOD as only a fringe benefit. They fail in understanding that Heaven is not the “grand” prize, but our LORD Himself. They make it to Heaven, but as it were, as “saved from fire” (JUD 1:23) without gaining many rewards toward their eternal future. GOD desires that we include Him in all aspects of our lives, “Christ in us the hope of glory” (COL 1:27) because He will never fail in anything He does through us.

The Second Test involves whether or not we pursue intimacy with GOD. The LORD desires “living” for us; He died for us and if He lives for us, He can achieve great things otherwise impossible in our fragile flesh. The apostle John wrote extensively about “abiding” in Christ, that is, maintaining a consistent fellowship with GOD the Savior. In JHN 14:21, he writes that if one obediently pursues GOD that our LORD will openly manifest Himself to us. The Greek text implies a physically observable manifestation. Is that not why in Matthew 5:8, Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see ELOHIM”? One might say this differently, “Blessed are the holy, whose hearts are pure enough for seeing GOD.” Did you not believe He meant in this life? Do we not take for granted that we shall see the LORD when we die if we believe?

GOD attempts revealing Himself to us in many ways because He desires that we know Him personally. He offers us a chance for a personal encounter. If He may live our lives for us (PHP 1:21) then we will victoriously finish this race, accomplishing all the goals of our destiny and enjoying the intimate, sweet Love Above All Loves. GOD loves us so much that whenever possible, He makes us His Bride forever.

So, our third purpose and major test is whether we will obey the perfect will of GOD for our lives, living the destiny He wrote for us. It is more expedient that one finds one’s destiny and performs one’s assignment than any amount of sacrifice or work done in the flesh “for GOD.” Too many go through their Christian walks striving in hopes of pleasing GOD and serving Him by doing things not required or desired by GOD in lieu of their works of destiny written before they were born or born-again.

This writer, in ignorance, also once did such things. Christian service may seem proper to us, but it may be counter to the purpose of GOD. In other words, we may do good things, but not GOD things—missing our destiny and busying ourselves with things much less than the achievements GOD designed for us (RMN 12:2). We must know GOD intimately that we may know His will for our lives and that we do not see all our works burned up as useless “wood, hay and stubble.” Additionally our destinies affect not only ourselves, but our family lines and those of others and must be in one way or another fulfilled.

It is not reasonable that we expect that GOD should answer prayers or help us concerning our work, if we work outside His will or not in obedience to the Scriptures or if we do not pursue an intimate relationship with Him. GOD blesses us as much as His love, justice and mercy allow, but even if we do good work which is not GOD-work, we limit Him in how much He may bless us if we work outside of His will.

Yet, how many feel they may conveniently serve and follow the LORD and wonder that they never find fulfillment in the “destiny” they mistakenly pursue but which lies far from the destiny GOD desired for them. We spend time with those we love, our GOD is very personal and personable and feels deeply when His children neglect Him and yet, continually ask Him for things which He sometimes in justice may not provide. Let us, therefore, not ask GOD to bless our work that we think we should do, but ask Him concerning what should be our involvement in the work He is doing, that He may bless us.

The writer means not that we only work in ministry, but in whatever place GOD has sent us, whether that be home or abroad, doing whatever work He prepared for us by our GOD-given gifts, our experience and the inner desires He placed within us. Our jobs are NOT our destinies, but put us in places where we may fulfill our destinies.

Some churches at one time gave all new believers “tests” for determining their spiritual giftedness, thereby, assuring that new believers actively functioned in the church as soon as possible. If it may be determined that a person has one or two areas where gifting might be evident, that person receives the label, “teacher” or “helper,” etc. But only in GOD may we truly find our actual destiny and discover our assignments for earth.

There are no shortcuts. Our destiny is NOT our giftedness or whatever profession we choose and therefore, cannot be determined with tools. Our giftedness enables us in the performance of our assignments, but cannot tell us WHAT tasks have been assigned to us. Only GOD may tell us. As we gravitate toward GOD’s will for our lives, our profession may or may not need changing or redirecting, but whatever profession one chooses is NOT one’s destiny; it only reflects the pathway one takes in the fulfillment of one’s destiny.

One must walk with GOD that one may discover the purpose of one’s time on earth. That includes much time in prayer, and especially praying in the Spirit and worshipping, seeking the face of GOD and pursuing an intimate relationship with Him that we may know and recognize His voice and establish such a report with Him that He quickly answers when we call.

Every believer receives the blessing of a personal Savior, Who accompanies that believer throughout the remainder of his life. Not only does Holy Spirit bond with our spirit, but our personal Savior stays close by our side, waiting for opportunities of communing with us and knocking at the door for a more intimate relationship. Revelation 3:20 speaks more of “abiding” than salvation, but the verse applies to both.

Remember, however, “test every spirit,” according to 1 JHN CH 4. When we began our search for intimacy with GOD, the demons work overtime in attempts of deception. Therefore, the more intimately we know GOD and the more about His WORD we know, the less they can succeed in their deceptions meant for redirecting us away from GOD or onto ungodly paths.

This writer’s pursuit of intimacy with GOD began by setting aside a time when I would simply sit and talk to the Savior and then wait for a reply. At first, I waited awhile, but as the habit formed, the Savior began speaking to me freely. There were times when demons tried taking over the conversation with many tricks and this writer experienced much trial and error in the beginning. Eventually as this writer became more intimate with the Savior and His ways, demonic interference grew more and more obvious when it happened and lessened when aggressively addressed.

Destinies may be divided into four major categories, some categories overlap for certain individuals: 1) The Bride, 2) the Friends of the Groom/Friends of GOD, 3) the Martyrs, and 4) the Seed. These are the major groups of destiny which GOD wrote for all believers; He desires all of us in one or more of these categories, but some have not even attained Heaven, much less their destinies. These categories do not reflect your personal path, but only the general desires which GOD has for His children.

The foremost of all destinies is that of the Bride, who remains the particular partner of our Savior in an eternal, spiritual marriage, never separated from the Savior at any time (RVL 7:15-17). The Bride was selected before the foundation of the world as one in communion with the Holy Godhead forever. All other destinies are supportive and subordinate to the destiny of the Bride. GOD has given the opportunity to all His children that they may become the Bride. However, all believers are NOT the Bride, but the Bride consists of those who willingly give up everything for the LORD and devote themselves wholly to the will and purposes of GOD. They forsake all worldliness and live holy and consecrated lives of prayer and worship and the works of their destinies. They have developed a deep intimacy with the LORD.

Everything about the Bride revolves around GOD’s purposes and the members of the Bride have laid all personal ambitions and desires on the altar. This is not possible in the flesh, but only in the Spirit. They are the true “church” or “called-out ones” (ekklésia) which refers to a militant, governing assembly with great power. They operate during the Tribulation in the “powers of the age to come” (HBR 6:5) in alleviation of some of the enemy’s work during that time. All Brides come to earth AFTER the cross. A Bride may also be a Martyr as we read concerning the Rapture, that some rise from the dead (1 THS 4:16).

For centuries, most churches promoted the teaching that all saved compose the Bride of Christ, which disgraces the truth of the Scripture. The word “church,” coined by King James because of the frustrating meaning of the Greek word, “ekklésia,” a powerful, ruling, especially called assembly, signified to him a threat to the throne. His precautionary change conveyed nothing of the intent of the Scriptures and today, “church,” far too often, represents a place, not a people, and especially NOT a powerful, ruling assembly.

This resulted in the misunderstanding of the writings of the Scriptures which clearly define the Bride, the called-out ones, as holy and blameless. Many blessings and promises of the scriptures belong only to the holy and blameless. If one studies the addresses of Paul and Peter, particularly, one sees this theme clearly. When one reads these texts, considering the exact import of the word, “ekklésia,” they take on significantly different meanings in regard to the Bride of Christ. One finds that the Bride consists of not every person who ever breathed the name of Jesus, but only those holy and blameless (EPH 1:4) before GOD, who have prepared themselves (RVL 19:7-8).

Because Christians have also been taught that they become the Bride of Christ at the moment they are saved, it seems unnecessary that we strive toward holiness and blamelessness. GOD, however, will not swoop down and collect those weak Christians who once professed the name of Christ, but live self-satisfying and ungodly lives. Rather, GOD, because of the purity of His character cannot enjoin Himself to anything unholy (2 COR 6:15). These, if truly saved, will reach Paradise, but cannot inherit all the promises of GOD. GOD is NOT, no NEVER mocked!

Each Bride functions as the focus project of a team, which includes close family members and all angelic help needed for their destiny’s accomplishment. The Brides work for the cleansing of their family lines. Their victory is a team victory for all the hard work and dedication required for the making of a Bride, which is humanly impossible. The Bride may be considered something of a personal honor guard in an intimate marriage covenant with GOD for the mutual enjoyment of both.

The second group of importance consists of the Friends of the Groom or Friends of GOD. These are they who walk with GOD, but possibly not in the same level of intimacy or commitment as the Bride. They come from all ages of history. Friends of the Groom do not participate in the Rapture, but receive special protection and provision throughout the tribulation and the full wrath of GOD and are the living men and women who dwell on earth during the Millennium, although some also destined as Martyrs dwell in the citadel of Zion as rulers after death. The citadel or palace of Zion houses those who fulfill the main destinies. The citadel of Zion houses all the ruling class of the Millennium, who have converted one way or the other to their immortal states. (Read more on these things in the full-length book by this author, “Unveiling the Apocalypse,” available through Amazon/Kindle).

The third group consists of Martyrs, many of whom but not all, are firstly, Brides and Friends. The fourth group, the Seed, may also be considered Martyrs. Martyrs are not simply those who die in the Tribulation, but are all throughout history those who willingly laid down their lives for GOD. The Martyrs also abide in the citadel of Zion during the Millennium. Prior to coming to earth, Martyrs request that they may have permission of dying for the LORD and that request is granted as a special privilege. Martyrs receive great honor and reward for their sacrifice and grace in death.

The last group, the Seed, may not be known to most. The seed technically also would be considered Martyrs, because they agree that they will die BEFORE their time, that they may pass their spiritual gifts on to a family member, most particularly, a Bride. They may die of natural causes or murderous intervention, but they die young and many before birth or soon after. GOD does NOT desire their murder nor plan it, but the enemy attempts spoiling the perfect plans of GOD and endeavors sabotaging them or pre-empting them as often as possible and at times has been successful. The reason for this sacrifice lies in the requirements of the Bride. Brides must have much special gifting and strong characters because they need those things for the accomplishment of their special destinies.

As the Reader may see by these descriptions of Destiny, one’s profession and one’s giftedness either assist or detract from one’s Destiny, but are NOT one’s Destiny. Even if individuals share the same major category of Destiny, their assignments on the earth may be significantly different. Therefore, discovery of not only their Destiny, but the work assigned to them becomes crucial. Destiny is solely determined by our Creator and only discovered through our Creator. At the time of our Life Review before GOD, at the Bema seat, we will see that all that matters is how close we come concerning fulfilling our written and pre-ordained Destiny and its assignments.

In this writer’s experience, there has been much confusion over the difference between righteousness and holiness and this writer desires taking a moment for a brief discussion. A proper understanding of the two helps one in rightly assessing their relationship to the LORD and whether one’s present course needs correction. Often these two words seem to many as interchangeable and receive treatment from pulpits accordingly.

However, “righteousness” briefly means, “standing right,” the position purchased for us by the blood of Christ. In Strong’s, the five different Hebrew words used for “righteousness” all refer to justice, equity, rectitude, being right; the Greek words likewise echo the same, justification, equitably, justly, rectitude, terms referring to a legal standing.

When righteousness applies to us, it signifies the declaration of our position of standing right with GOD. We receive the impartation of righteousness the moment we acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD of our lives; “Not as a result of works, lest any man should boast” (EPH 2:8-9). Our names then appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life (RVL 21:27). We then possess a seat in Heavenly places (EPH 2:6). Righteousness also signifies our transition from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (CLS 1:13), when Holy Spirit moves in, enlightening and quickening our dead spirit to life everlasting (RMN 8:11) and communion with our Creator.

On the other hand, “holiness” means purity and sacredness, referring to a state of godliness and consecration. Strong’s list only one Hebrew word used for “holiness,” “qodesh,” from which comes the modern Jewish word kosher. This word carries the meaning of consecration, dedicated, sanctified and saintly or set apart for the LORD. The equivalent Greek words used for holiness mean godliness, purity, sanctity, sacredness, and piety.

Another heresy taught in the modern church proclaims that when we get to Heaven, we become “holy.” There is no opportunity or temptation to sin in Heaven because the glory of GOD fills that place, but that does not mean that we would not sin if opportunity presented itself. Our level of godliness in Heaven remains as it was at the moment we pass from this life. Only the presence of the glory of GOD in Heaven and lack of temptation keep people in Heaven from sin, although the longer one remains in Heaven, the more likely one may resist temptation if exposed, because in Heaven, all learn the ways of GOD.

Whatever work we have done toward the purification of our souls determines our position in Heaven and whatever accompanying rewards we receive. Once we pass from this life, our level of purity becomes settled forever. Only those who achieve holiness and blamelessness on earth are prepared for withstanding the intense glory of the Third Heaven where the throne of GOD stands.

Yes, Heaven possesses various levels of glory suitable for the accommodation of those who dwell within them. For example, the devil’s expulsion from Heaven was necessary for he could no longer stand in the presence of the great glory of the Third Heaven or function as the “covering cherub” that GOD intended as his role .

Holiness is not imparted, but achieved as Paul says, “work out your salvation in fear and trembling” (PHP 2:12). Holiness results from the process of sanctification, being set apart and consecrated to GOD, and purification, as we must “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us” (HBR 12:1). Paul speaks not of working for salvation, but working from salvation to purity; working out the issues of the soulish area of our being where spiritual strongholds find root. Our spirits were entirely regenerated at the moment of salvation and therefore are wholly restored to GOD and life (EPH 2:5). Our bodies, when resurrected will be restored to an immortal state (1 PTR 1:23), but our souls are in process as it were and need spiritual cleansing and purification.

That means obtaining deliverance if needed, eschewing sin and keeping a repentant heart, making it possible for the bearing of GOD’s weighty glory in us so that we may walk as the LORD in the Spirit, prepared for carrying His holy presence and functioning in the glory of the Third Heaven. Only a clean vessel can hold the great glory, allowing the power of GOD to flow through us and the cleaner we become, the more glory we retain and the more power may flow. That is why the Scriptures encourage that one “grow to the full stature of Christ” (EPH 4:13), meaning fully developing all the aspects of the character of GOD in the Spirit: love, peace, joy, patience, etc., (GAL 5:22) and keeping our vessels clean from sin and repenting as soon as needful.

We are told in JHN 1:12 that we have the “power” to become the sons of GOD. That means everything necessary for “becoming” has been given. We are children of GOD at salvation, but becoming a son implies that we are mature enough for receiving our inheritance and the special promises of our destinies. Our Savior was called the “beloved” SON by GOD the Father when He was fully mature at the age of 30, after He humbled Himself for many years as a carpenter and after He obeyed the call of baptism.

When He challenges the disciples and those who follow, Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it” (MTH 7:13-14). Most apply this verse to salvation and should, but a still narrower gate also exists for those who forsake the world and consecrate themselves to GOD in contrast to many believers who live for themselves, giving GOD only a token of their lives, never fulfilling their destinies and often eventually suffering correction instead of blessing.

The early believers identified themselves as “people of the way;” the path of intimacy with the Savior and holiness, the path of ever-increasing glory and selflessness; those who walked the narrow way; who entered through the narrow gate; who consecrated their lives wholly to GOD, fully prepared for death if necessary by their faith. Jeremiah warns Israel, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls” (JRM 6:16). Another prophet advises, “Seek YHWH, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; seek righteousness, seek humility, perhaps you will be hidden in the day of YHWH’s anger” (ZPH 2:3), referring to the Rapture before the final judgment of GOD.

The pursuit of our Destiny, should be the goal of everyone serious in his walk with GOD. If we have felt the call of GOD upon our lives for service to Him, then we have been called for seeking out our Destiny. Our Destiny, again, refers to our purpose in eternity and not necessarily to our function or work on earth, which only gives opportunity for the fulfillment of that ultimate Destiny. Our training here on earth prepares us for the work of eternity. Our investment of time and energy here in pursuing GOD and His purposes determines our roles in the Eternal Kingdom of GOD. This life is not the end, but the beginning. Without properly preparing ourselves, we would be unfit for our eternal calling (2 PTR 1:10).

We have one brief opportunity for finding and performing the assignments given to us before we came to earth for life is a vapor, quickly evaporating. The only way we may discover our purpose is by GOD revealing it to us. Salvation takes the first step toward discovery of one’s Destiny by opening the door to the heavenly realms. All are called, but only a few step through and experience the exciting adventure of intimacy with our Savior. All have wonderfully beautiful Destinies written for them, but few take the long, arduous journey necessary for finding and walking out those Destinies. The business and concerns of life capture and waylay most so that they never pursue GOD’s friendship and just settle for a place in the by and by.

Too many believers find contentment in having obtained their “ticket” to Heaven. They comfort themselves in that they soon “fly away” and leave all the trials of earth behind. But, as the Apostle Paul says, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win” (1 COR 9:24).

Heaven, wonderful and wonderfully beautiful and blissful, represents the background for our eternal state, not the prize, but the setting of the Pearl of Great Price. That prize, the Most beautiful Jewel of Heaven, consists of the Holy Savior Himself, an eternal love relationship with the Holy Godhead. The time we spend with GOD now and the relationship we have with the Savior and Holy Spirit now determine how much access we have with the Holy Godhead in eternity. We must invest NOW, for our future. When a believer obtains Heaven, but misses the prize, it means his Destiny remains unfulfilled.

The LORD never leaves us without help, however, and in our spirit He plants seeds which help us recognize our destiny. If you have ever read a story or seen a movie which resonated strongly in your soul, which you desired reading or seeing again and again; that may be a “parable” of something concerning your destiny. Fairytales like “Cinderella,” which tell of a peasant girl loved by a prince or literary works such as the “The Prince and the Pauper,” echo parts of our destinies, telling in parable form the love of our Creator, King of the Universe, Prince of Peace and how He became a Man and walked the earth incognito, and just as the Prince in the “Prince and the Pauper.” When He finally reveals who He is, He is not believed by most.

One may feel that the choices made in one’s life makes achieving one’s destiny impossible. Be encouraged, GOD knows us well and knew us before He made us. The LORD continually redirects our path as we stumble around on earth. He does everything possible for keeping us on the path, putting us back on the path and encouraging us along our path. GOD LOVES US DEEPLY and desires our success. Sometimes that involves His discipline, but He gives whatever we need for He earnestly desires our good, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (JRM 29:11 NIV).

GOD speaks in many ways and makes many attempts of conforming us to our destinies. He is not put off if we fall and stumble around for a while, as long as we get up and keep going. He may speak in dreams and visions; He may speak through His WORD or in a whisper in the heart or simply by a “knowing” within. Our LORD NEVER stops speaking to us and does everything in His power that we may safely and successfully finish our course and accomplish our destiny. The more we keep our ear open to Him, the more time we spend with Him, the more likely it becomes that we faithfully finish our course.

While only our Maker can reveal our individual destinies, we may find clues in what excites our souls, what gives us hope, what generates a feeling of victory within and by seeking the LORD concerning those parables and their particular meanings for us. The LORD also gives some dreams and visions, which at first may not seem related or make sense, but when we ask the LORD for revelation, we may find how fitting they were as Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. Only in GOD, through His Holy Spirit, is Truth found.

By His Holy Sacrifice, the LORD made it possible for the entrance of all His children, not just gaining Heaven, but a close, personal relationship with the Holy Godhead, their Heavenly Father and true family. The offer extends to all, but few find or enter the narrow gate of consecration, demanded for such a reward. Why settle for only Paradise, the lowest level of Heaven, when one may obtain the glory of the Third Heaven, where one may walk the sapphire expanse to the very throne of GOD? Before it’s too late; run for the prize!

Christian Stratiotes