“Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death.” vs18-19

It’s hard to fight against the Lord. The end is destruction! These soldiers held God’s servants captive, and death was their portion. They were on the side of evil, and perished.

It’s impossible to fight the Lord and stand. Eventually all will bow the knee. He’s been exalted to God’s right hand, and he’s coming back as the King to punish his enemies. 2 Thessalonians 1:8, "in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." Woe unto the man who doesn’t believe in him. Woe to anyone disobeying the gospel.

We must yield and relent. Power is in his hands. If we bow, then we’ll obtain mercy. Acts 3:19, “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” We’ll be spared for our sins, and he’ll give us eternal life. Take the terms of mercy!

First, “they did not find him.” Peter was gone! God’s elect will be delivered. There’s no power against the Lord, and resistance is futile. He will do all of his pleasure. Isaiah 46:10, “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my pleasure.” Nothing stops the salvation of sinners who he’s predetermined. The righteous shall stand at the end of time in full deliverance. It cannot be stopped. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church [Matt 16:18].

Predestination is an unbreakable chain that includes all events from all time, even the fall of man. Romans 8:30, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Satan merely glorified the Lord’s original purpose, when he led man to destruction. God’s wrath and mercy will shine. Revelation 13:8, “and all who dwell on earth will worship [the beast], everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain.”

Do not resist Christ. Shall we fight omnipotence? Will we lift up our hands against God? Shall the thing formed strive with his maker? Put down the shotgun. The sword of rebellion must yield. 1 Samuel 18:4, “And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.” Do like Jonathan and yield to David. He is worthy.

Secondly, the soldiers were “put to death.” “he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death.” This will happen to all who disobey the gospel; it will cost you everything! Eventually God’s wrath comes. It may seem as if you’re winning, but time will tell a different story, when time is no more! The Judgment shall usher them into hell. 2 Thessalonians 1:9, “They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” He will not spare them, nor will he taper his wrath. There will be no water in hell. Luke 16:25, “But Abraham said, Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.”

Flee from wrath! Be wise. Use this time to draw near. Serve Christ, so you can be rewarded. Luke 19:17, "And he said to him, Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities." He’ll surprise you with joy and peace now. He will give you spiritual power. There is NO REASON to stay outside of Christ. Flee for refuge. Hebrews 6:18, "so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us."

Thirdly, God’s gospel is for whosoever believes. No one needs to be left out. Election includes everyone that seeks him. Isaiah 45:19, "I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, Seek me in vain. I the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right." Predestination makes us repent. All things are now ready, even righteousness and holiness, even power to obey. There’s no reason the filthiest sinner won’t be saved. The hypocrite will be received. The porn star, the adulterer, and the self-righteous hypocrite will all be welcomed by the Son of God. He will not cast out any. John 6:37, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

You have this time to live for Christ. Use it. He is a good God who saves sinners and gives us Paradise. He is better than the death you’ll experience, which is the Lake of Fire, the second death! Revelation 20:15, “And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”