What is Man's DESTINY?

 

Do you know where you're headed?

Does life make sense?

What are you on earth for?

What will the future bring?

Find all the answers from SCRIPTURE.

From the OLD TESTAMENT, through GOD:

Before the fall from grace.

27 So God 

created man 

in his own image, 

in the image of God 

created he him; 

male and female 

created he them.

28 And God blessed them, 

and God said unto them, 

Be fruitful, 

and multiply, 

and replenish the earth, 

and subdue it: 

and have dominion 

over the fish 

of the sea, 

and over the fowl 

of the air, 

and over every 

living thing 

that moveth 

upon the earth.

Genesis 1:27-28 (King James Version)

After the fall from grace (unto dust we return).

16 Unto the woman he said, 

I will greatly multiply 

thy sorrow 

and thy conception; 

in sorrow 

thou shalt bring forth 

children; 

and thy desire 

shall be 

to thy husband, 

and he shall 

rule over thee.

17 And unto Adam he said, 

Because thou hast hearkened 

unto the voice 

of thy wife, 

and hast eaten 

of the tree, 

of which I commanded thee, saying, 

Thou shalt not eat of it: 

cursed is the ground 

for thy sake; 

in sorrow 

shalt thou 

eat of it 

all the days 

of thy life;

18 Thorns also 

and thistles 

shall it bring forth 

to thee; 

and thou shalt eat 

the herb 

of the field;

19 In the sweat 

of thy face 

shalt thou eat bread, 

till thou return 

unto the ground; 

for out of it 

wast thou taken: 

for dust thou art, 

and unto dust 

shalt thou return.

Genesis 3:16-19 (King James Version)

God's WILL stands.

10 Declaring the end 

from the beginning, 

and from ancient times 

the things 

that are not yet done, saying, 

My counsel shall stand, 

and I will do 

all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:10 King James Version (KJV)

GOD is in control of EVERYTHING.

11 So shall my word be 

that goeth forth 

out of my mouth: 

it shall not return 

unto me void, 

but it shall accomplish 

that which I please, 

and it shall prosper 

in the thing 

whereto I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11 (King James Version)

God ordained us for His PURPOSE (as in prophet Jeremiah).

4 Then the word 

of the Lord 

came unto me, saying,

5 Before I formed thee 

in the belly 

I knew thee; 

and before thou camest forth 

out of the womb 

I sanctified thee, 

and I ordained thee 

a prophet unto the nations.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 (King James Version)

How GOD carved the destiny of prophet Jeremiah.

6 Then said I, 

Ah, Lord God! 

behold, I cannot speak: 

for I am a child.

7 But the Lord said unto me, 

Say not, I am a child: 

for thou shalt go 

to all 

that I shall send thee, 

and whatsoever 

I command thee 

thou shalt speak.

8 Be not afraid 

of their faces: 

for I am with thee 

to deliver thee, 

saith the Lord.

9 Then the Lord 

put forth his hand, 

and touched my mouth. 

And the Lord said unto me, 

Behold, 

I have put my words 

in thy mouth.

10 See, 

I have this day 

set thee 

over the nations 

and over the kingdoms, 

to root out, 

and to pull down, 

and to destroy, 

and to throw down, 

to build, 

and to plant.

Jeremiah 1:6-10 (King James Version)

God is the author of FREEDOM and captivity, lest any man think he is above God.

11 For I know 

the thoughts 

that I think 

toward you, 

saith the Lord, 

thoughts of peace, 

and not of evil, 

to give you 

an expected end.

12 Then shall ye 

call upon me, 

and ye shall go 

and pray unto me, 

and I will hearken 

unto you.

13 And ye 

shall seek me, 

and find me, 

when ye 

shall search 

for me 

with all your heart.

14 And I will be found 

of you, 

saith the Lord: 

and I will turn away 

your captivity, 

and I will gather you 

from all the nations, 

and from all the places 

whither 

I have driven you, 

saith the Lord; 

and I will bring you again 

into the place 

whence I caused you 

to be carried away captive.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (King James Version)

Only GOD sets the appointed time for everything.

2 And the Lord answered me, 

and said, 

Write the vision, 

and make it plain 

upon tables, 

that he may run 

that readeth it.

3 For the vision is yet 

for an appointed time, 

but at the end 

it shall speak, 

and not lie: 

though it tarry, 

wait for it; 

because it will surely come, 

it will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (King James Version)

The iniquity of the fathers is visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.

6 I am the Lord 

thy God, 

which brought thee 

out 

of the land 

of Egypt, 

from the house 

of bondage.

7 Thou shalt have 

none other gods 

before me.

8 Thou shalt 

not make thee 

any graven image, 

or any likeness 

of any thing 

that is 

in heaven above, 

or that is 

in the earth beneath, 

or that is 

in the waters 

beneath the earth:

9 Thou shalt 

not bow down thyself 

unto them, 

nor serve them: 

for I 

the Lord 

thy God 

am 

a jealous God, 

visiting the iniquity 

of the fathers 

upon the children 

unto the third 

and fourth generation 

of them 

that hate me,

Deuteronomy 5:6-9 (King James Version)

Every path is directed by the LORD.

24 Man's goings 

are of the Lord; 

how can a man then 

understand 

his own way?

Proverbs 20:24 (King James Version)

The upright man's end is PEACE.

37 Mark the perfect man, 

and behold the upright: 

for the end of that man 

is peace.

Psalm 37:37 (King James Version)

From the NEW TESTAMENT, through JESUS:

JESUS chose and ordained us, in God's SERVICE.

16 Ye have not chosen me, 

but I have chosen you, 

and ordained you, 

that ye should go 

and bring forth fruit, 

and that your fruit 

should remain: 

that whatsoever ye 

shall ask 

of the Father 

in my name, 

he may 

give it you.

John 15:16 (King James Version)

JESUS speaks of God's WILL; our destinies hinge upon that Will and our obedience to the LORD Jesus.

39 And this 

is the Father's will 

which hath sent me, 

that of all 

which he hath 

given me 

I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up 

again 

at the last day.

John 6:39 (King James Version)

True believers of JESUS are given eternal life.

28 And I give 

unto them 

eternal life; 

and they 

shall never perish, 

neither 

shall any man 

pluck them 

out of 

my hand.

John 10:28 King James Version (KJV)

We are to have tribulation.

33 These things 

I have spoken 

unto you, 

that in me 

ye might have peace. 

In the world 

ye shall have 

tribulation: 

but be 

of good cheer; 

I have overcome 

the world.

John 16:33 (King James Version)

All the world wait for the LORD's Return, as prophesied in the Book of REVELATION; everything has been prophesied.

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, 

which God gave unto him, 

to shew unto his servants 

things which must shortly 

come to pass; 

and he sent and signified it 

by his angel 

unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record 

of the word of God, 

and of the testimony 

of Jesus Christ, 

and of all things 

that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that readeth, 

and they that hear 

the words 

of this prophecy, 

and keep those things 

which are written 

therein: 

for the time 

is at hand.

Revelation 1:1-3 (King James Version)

Through the Apostles in the NEW TESTAMENT, from JESUS:

God prepares something for "them that love him".

7 But we speak 

the wisdom of God 

in a mystery, 

even the hidden wisdom, 

which God ordained 

before the world 

unto our glory:

8 Which none 

of the princes 

of this world 

knew: 

for had they known it, 

they would 

not have crucified 

the Lord 

of glory.

9 But as it is written, 

Eye hath not seen, 

nor ear heard, 

neither have entered 

into the heart 

of man, 

the things 

which God 

hath prepared 

for them 

that love him.

1 Corinthians 2:7-9 (King James Version)

We are "predestinated" to be conformed to the image of JESUS.

28 And we know 

that all things 

work together 

for good 

to them 

that love God, 

to them 

who are the called 

according 

to his purpose.

29 For whom 

he did foreknow, 

he also did predestinate 

to be conformed 

to the image 

of his Son, 

that he might be 

the firstborn 

among many brethren.

Romans 8:28-29 (King James Version)

The future -- and thus our destinies -- is told by JESUS in Scripture:

Matthew 24

Book of Revelation

Supporting article:

"Why Did God Create Man?"

(Image source: George Bakos)

HOW Does JESUS Answer a Prayer?

 

I prayed to JESUS

early this morning:

"Please shine your LIGHT,

upon the darkness of our souls."

And the BIBLE answered.

Here's what came forth:

GOD's first WORDS:

1 In the beginning 

God created 

the heaven 

and the earth.

2 And the earth 

was without form, 

and void; 

and darkness 

was upon 

the face 

of the deep. 

And the Spirit 

of God 

moved 

upon 

the face 

of the waters.

3 And God said, 

Let there be light: 

and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, 

that it was good: 

and God divided 

the light 

from the darkness.

5 And God called 

the light 

Day, 

and the darkness 

he called Night. 

And the evening 

and the morning 

were the first day.

Genesis 1:1-5 (King James Version)

GOD made TWO great LIGHTS on the FOURTH day:

14 And God said, 

Let there be lights 

in the firmament 

of the heaven 

to divide the day 

from the night; 

and let them be 

for signs, 

and for seasons, 

and for days, 

and years:

15 And let them be 

for lights 

in the firmament 

of the heaven 

to give light 

upon 

the earth: 

and it was so.

16 And God made 

two great lights; 

the greater light 

to rule the day, 

and the lesser light 

to rule the night: 

he made the stars also.

17 And God set them 

in the firmament 

of the heaven 

to give light 

upon the earth,

18 And to rule 

over the day 

and over the night, 

and to divide the light 

from the darkness: 

and God saw 

that 

it was good.

19 And the evening 

and the morning 

were 

the fourth day.

Genesis 1:14-19 (King James Version)

GOD is LIGHT:

5 This then 

is the message 

which we have heard 

of him, 

and declare 

unto you, 

that God is light, 

and in him 

is no darkness 

at all.

6 If we say 

that we 

have fellowship 

with him, 

and walk 

in darkness, 

we lie, 

and do not 

the truth:

7 But if we walk 

in the light, 

as he is 

in the light, 

we have fellowship 

one 

with another, 

and the blood 

of Jesus Christ 

his Son 

cleanseth us 

from all sin.

1 John 1:5-7 (King James Version)

The steady "Father of lights":

17 Every good gift 

and every perfect gift 

is 

from above, 

and cometh down 

from 

the Father 

of lights, 

with whom 

is no variableness, 

neither shadow 

of turning.

James 1:17 (King James Version)

GOD's "marvellous light":

9 But ye 

are a chosen 

generation, 

a royal priesthood, 

an holy nation, 

a peculiar people; 

that ye should 

shew forth 

the praises of him 

who hath called you 

out of darkness 

into his 

marvellous light;

1 Peter 2:9 (King James Version)

GOD's Light "shineth in darkness":

1 In the beginning 

was the Word, 

and the Word 

was with God, 

and the Word 

was God.

2 The same 

was 

in the beginning 

with God.

3 All things 

were made by him; 

and without him 

was not any thing made 

that was made.

4 In him 

was life; 

and the life 

was the light 

of men.

5 And the light 

shineth in darkness; 

and the darkness 

comprehended it 

not.

John 1:1-5 (King James Version)

The Lamb is the "light":

23 And the city 

had no need 

of the sun, 

neither 

of the moon, 

to shine in it: 

for the glory 

of God 

did lighten it, 

and the Lamb 

is the light thereof.

24 And the nations 

of them 

which are saved 

shall walk 

in the light 

of it: 

and the kings 

of the earth 

do bring 

their glory 

and honour 

into it.

25 And the gates of it 

shall not be shut 

at all 

by day: 

for there 

shall be 

no night there.

Revelation 21:23-25 (King James Version)

JESUS is the "light of the world":

5 As long 

as I am 

in the world, 

I am the light 

of the world.

John 9:5 (King James Version)

JESUS comes as a "light into the world":

46 I am come 

a light 

into the world, 

that whosoever believeth 

on me 

should not abide 

in darkness.

John 12:46 (King James Version)

The LORD as a light unto us:

8 Rejoice not against me, 

O mine enemy: 

when I fall, 

I shall arise; 

when I sit 

in darkness, 

the Lord 

shall be 

a light 

unto me.

Micah 7:8 (King James Version)

The LORD GOD will enlighten our darkness:

28 For thou 

wilt light 

my candle: 

the Lord 

my God 

will enlighten 

my darkness.

Psalm 18:28 (King James Version)

GOD's word as a light unto our path:

105 Thy word 

is a lamp 

unto 

my feet, 

and a light 

unto 

my path.

Psalm 119:105 (King James Version)

GOD's words "giveth light":

130 The entrance 

of thy words 

giveth light; 

it giveth 

understanding 

unto 

the simple.

Psalm 119:130 (King James Version)

Followers of JESUS shall have the "light of life":

12 Then spake Jesus again 

unto them, 

saying, 

I am 

the light 

of the world: 

he that followeth me 

shall not walk 

in darkness, 

but shall have 

the light of life.

John 8:12 (King James Version)

The blood of JESUS CHRIST "cleanseth us from all sin":

7 But if we walk 

in the light, 

as he is 

in the light, 

we have fellowship 

one with another, 

and the blood 

of Jesus Christ 

his Son 

cleanseth us 

from all sin.

1 John 1:7 (King James Version)

The LORD is our "light and salvation":

27 The Lord 

is my light 

and my salvation; 

whom 

shall I fear? 

the Lord 

is the strength 

of my life; 

of whom 

shall I 

be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 (King James Version)

(Photo from Rafael Pires.)

What Does PERFECTION Mean?

 

6 But we 

are all 

as an unclean thing, 

and all 

our righteousnesses are 

as filthy rags; 

and we all 

do fade 

as a leaf; 

and our iniquities, 

like the wind, 

have taken us 

away.

Isaiah 64:6 (King James Version)

Why the pursuit for perfection?

What is perfection?

How can we achieve perfection?

SCRIPTURE has the answers.

Why we have to be perfect:

48 Be ye therefore perfect, 

even as your Father 

which is in heaven 

is perfect.

Matthew 5:48 (King James Version)

19 What? 

know ye not 

that your body 

is the temple 

of the Holy Ghost 

which is in you, 

which ye have 

of God, 

and ye 

are not 

your own?

20 For ye are bought 

with a price: 

therefore 

glorify God 

in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (King James Version) 

What perfection means:

7 Having therefore these promises,

 dearly beloved, 

let us cleanse ourselves 

from all filthiness 

of the flesh 

and spirit, 

perfecting holiness 

in the fear 

of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (King James Version)

11 Likewise 

reckon ye also 

yourselves 

to be dead 

indeed 

unto sin, 

but alive 

unto God 

through Jesus Christ 

our Lord.

Romans 6:11 (King James Version)

14 Wherefore, beloved, 

seeing 

that ye look 

for such things, 

be diligent 

that ye 

may be found 

of him 

in peace, 

without spot, 

and blameless.

2 Peter 3:14 (King James Version) 

How to be perfect:

12 I beseech you therefore, 

brethren, 

by the mercies 

of God, 

that ye present 

your bodies 

a living sacrifice, 

holy, 

acceptable 

unto God, 

which is 

your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed 

to this world: 

but be ye transformed 

by the renewing 

of your mind, 

that ye may prove 

what is 

that good, 

and acceptable, 

and perfect, 

will 

of God.

Romans 12:1-2 (King James Version)

11 For the grace 

of God 

that bringeth salvation 

hath appeared 

to all men,

12 Teaching us that, 

denying ungodliness 

and worldly lusts, 

we should live soberly, 

righteously, 

and godly, 

in this present world;

Titus 2:11-12 (King James Version)

21 Jesus said unto him, 

If thou wilt be perfect, 

go 

and sell 

that thou hast, 

and give 

to the poor,

 and thou shalt 

have treasure 

in heaven: 

and come 

and follow me.

Matthew 19:21 (King James Version)

8 Blessed are the pure 

in heart: 

for they 

shall see 

God.

Matthew 5:8 (King James Version)

Why we must sin no more:

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received 

the knowledge 

of the truth, 

there remaineth 

no more sacrifice 

for sins,

Hebrews 10:26 (King James Version)

19 Nevertheless 

the foundation of God 

standeth sure, 

having this seal, 

The Lord 

knoweth them 

that are his. 

And, let every one 

that nameth the name 

of Christ 

depart 

from iniquity.

2 Timothy 2:19 (King James Version)

8 Be sober, 

be vigilant; 

because your adversary 

the devil, 

as a roaring lion, 

walketh about, 

seeking whom 

he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast 

in the faith, 

knowing 

that the same afflictions 

are accomplished 

in your brethren 

that are 

in the world.

10 But the God 

of all grace, 

who hath called us 

unto his eternal glory 

by Christ Jesus, 

after that 

ye have suffered 

a while, 

make you perfect, 

stablish, 

strengthen, 

settle you.

1 Peter 5:8-10 (King James Version)

What helps us become perfect:

16 All scripture 

is given 

by inspiration 

of God, 

and is profitable 

for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction 

in righteousness:

17 That the man 

of God 

may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished 

unto all 

good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (King James Version)

12 For the word of God 

is quick, 

and powerful, 

and sharper 

than any 

twoedged sword, 

piercing even 

to the dividing asunder 

of soul 

and spirit, 

and of the joints 

and marrow, 

and is a discerner 

of the thoughts 

and intents 

of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 (King James Version) 

Who helps us become perfect:

13 I can do all things 

through Christ 

which strengtheneth 

me.

Philippians 4:13 King James Version (KJV)

7 Submit yourselves therefore 

to God. 

Resist the devil, 

and he will flee 

from you.

James 4:7 King James Version (KJV)

26 But Jesus beheld them, 

and said unto them, 

With men 

this is impossible; 

but with God 

all things 

are possible.

Matthew 19:26 (King James Version) 

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father 

will send 

in my name, 

he shall teach you 

all things, 

and bring all things 

to your remembrance, 

whatsoever 

I have said 

unto you.

John 14:26 (King James Version)

19 But with 

the precious blood 

of Christ, 

as of a lamb 

without blemish 

and without spot:

20 Who verily 

was foreordained 

before the foundation 

of the world, 

but was manifest 

in these last times 

for you,

21 Who by him 

do believe in God, 

that raised him up 

from the dead, 

and gave him glory; 

that your faith 

and hope 

might be 

in God.

22 Seeing 

ye have purified 

your souls 

in obeying 

the truth 

through the Spirit 

unto unfeigned love 

of the brethren, 

see that ye love 

one another 

with a pure heart 

fervently:

23 Being born again, 

not of corruptible seed, 

but of incorruptible, 

by the word 

of God, 

which liveth 

and abideth 

for ever.

1 Peter 1:19-23 (King James Version)

4 But let patience have 

her perfect work, 

that ye may be perfect 

and entire, 

wanting nothing.

James 1:4 (King James Version)

God's way is PERFECT:

30 As for God, 

his way is perfect: 

the word of the Lord 

is tried: 

he is a buckler 

to all those 

that trust 

in him.

Psalm 18:30 (King James Version)

(Photo by Joseph.)