Once upon a time one of my co-workers received notification that he had been chosen to receive a vacation package. The card stated, “You have been chosen for a 7-day/6-night Florida Caribbean Vacation Package, including all accommodations and a round trip cruise.” A 1-800 number was included for accepting the package. When called, the “vacation coordinator” confirmed that my co-worker had, in fact, been chosen for the vacation package. All he had to do was pay for it. “Say what?” he inquired. “The card said I was chosen.” The coordinator said, “Yes, you were chosen, but surely you didn’t think the vacation was free!”

Mankind has received a communiqué from the Creator. It says that all who believe the truth of His message have been chosen for travel, by way of a temporary stay on Earth, to eternal life and happiness in Heaven. The call for acceptance is toll free. Those of us who have already called upon Him have discovered that we were, in fact, chosen for the journey. The most important fact is that travel and accommodation costs have already been paid in full. The trip is a gift!

Unlike the card from the vacation promoters, God’s message is not misleading. It is clear and straight to the point.  “…from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our Gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 NIV) Is that not extraordinary?! We were chosen to be saved and to share in His glory! We can share in His glory to a degree in this life, but the ultimate glory of Christ will only be shared in that incredible experience called eternity. All who believe have been chosen to participate.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV) This is too good to keep to myself. I’m ready to declare His praises for including me among His chosen people, aren’t you?