A Seat at the Table

Can all be destined to glory?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. - Ephesians 1:3-6

Today's reading talks about being chosen before the beginning of the world, and that gives me reason to wonder about predestination.

Are we predestined for glory in God through Christ?  And if so, what about everyone else?

One could argue that all have a place in the kingdom.  All may be chosen to be heirs, but not all accept the gift of God's grace.  If so, do they lose their seat at the table?

It would make sense if they did, right?

After all, why come to us in human form, through Christ, to help us reclaim our rightful place if we could not lose it?

So, perhaps predestination is not an indicator of who is in and who is out, but more a reservation being held for all that some, like the guests of the banquet, choose to ignore.

That would be just, wouldn't it?

It also seems to fit the parables Jesus told which emphasized the importance of being present and ready to take our place when called.

It would also stand to reason that the more I possess in this world, the more attached I am to it.  And so, the less likely I would be to let go and strive for something better.

That makes sense to me.  I like the idea that we can all come to the table and partake in the feast.

But what of those who never hear the invitation?  Are they destined to miss out?

I don't think so, but it wouldn't hurt to tell them about it, would it?  After all, the more that know, the better.

Let's make it a big party.

More to come...