When God told Adam and Eve in the garden not to eat of the forbidden fruit, he demonstrated for them to have free will. Every hour of every day that they were in the garden they chose not to partake of the fruit. Then, one day everything changed as they exercised their free will to disobey God.
This was not a surprise to God. Just as the Lord pronounced the consequences of their sin, he also promised them a solution. Genesis 3:15 is his first promise of the Savior. It was at that point that mankind could continue to exercise their free will by an act of rebellion or submission to God. Thereafter, the solution to mankindās problem was based on faith to follow after Godās provision.
God gave humans through Moses a law which designated manās inability to be perfect and Godās solution to their imperfection. The purpose of the law was not to redeem people but the need for a better solution. We are told in John 3:16 the reason he sent his son Jesus to eventually die on the cross that says believers should not perish; it doesnāt say will, it doesnāt say may, it doesnāt say could. It says they should not perish. This demonstrates Godās intent to reinstate mankind into a relationship with him. Since the resurrection of Jesus, the rest of the New Testament explains how to be involved in that relationship.
Those who take God at his word have the promise of an eternity in heaven. Again, that is why the word should is so important. By accepting Christ as our Savior, people are acting in faith on his promise of should. Those who believe that Jesus is the son of God who died on the cross for our sins and three days later was resurrected from the dead have a basis for faith. Most people will say they hope they go to heaven. Those who are sincerely repentant of their sin, ask forgiveness, and trust in Godās promise then have the assurance of a heavenly reward. My friend, you do not need to wander, guess, or hope to go to heaven. It is your destiny. But you must be sincere in your repentance. You must declare a genuine faith in the promises of God and Jesusā work on the cross afterwards coming out of the tomb.
Those who do this are likewise exercising their free will but in a positive way to reinstate a spiritual relationship with the Almighty. There is no reason for doubt. If you doubt, youāre not having faith. God established a plan that says all are invited. Unfortunately, not all respond appropriately. That plan includes an election based on the word should. Even though God offered his promise, even though God made it possible for all to be elected into his family, not all will answer. Individually, each of us must assume responsibility to act on the plan of election for our eternal destiny that is based on faith in Godās promises. This is not faith on ourselves or our good intentions. It is solely on God that says we should be with him for eternity.
Christian Writer 