"And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.”

As many as are ordained to eternal life will believe the gospel. Satan cannot stop it, and neither can man. Therefore, let us go out and preach. Therefore, let us obey.

Let’s not be hindered by what’s in man! God’s appointment is much higher. Men may seem unsavable, but God gives them interest and enlightenment. He changes the heart and causes them to come [John 6:37]. He gives faith from heaven, because he seeks them and searches them out. Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Let us be about this business, occupying until he comes. He has a reward for laborers, both now and in the world to come. 1 Timothy 4:8," for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

First, “they were glad.” The Gentiles realized the gospel was for them. The Acts 13:47, "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." It wasn't reserved for Jews! Low class sinners worshiping idols were delivered from bondage. Legalists lost control over the people! Matthew 4:16, "the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." Indeed, whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

This is the wonder of wonders - that we can have eternal life, when hell eternal would be our portion. We can be saved from sin and given a life with meaning. We can have power over Satan and walk uprightly. Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you." We can be friends with God!

This high privilege is freely given and gladness results. Reconciliation with God and the power of his Spirit bring joy. We experience the hidden life [2 Cor 4:3-4]. We see God's goodness. Hallelujah, there’s joy in his service, joy in knowing him, and joy that fulfills. Hallelujah, hallelujah. Our eternity is secure, and we have great hope!

Secondly, it’s “as many as had been appointed.” God will not lose one. No cesspool of sin is too vile for him to stick his hand in. No sinner is out of the reach of mercy. He even takes saints who are out of the way, revives us, and then sends us out as missionaries. He takes men, like Jonah, who don’t want to go, and he uses them to give eternal life! He works salvation according to his will. Daniel 4:35, "all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, What have you done?"

He is not an absentee God relying on the help of man. He raises up kingdoms and puts them down for his purpose [Dan 2:45]! He is active in the ways of man, working all things for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his eternal purpose. Predestination GUARANTEED our salvation, and every flap of the flies wing brings it to pass. Nothing shall stop the Sovereign God or slow him down. No event impedes him. Hollywood, homosexuality, and political corruption do not hinder him in the slightest. He uses these things to make men miserable. The false prophets in Nigeria cannot stop his advance. Child kidnapping doesn’t weaken him. He uses these dreadful things to get salvation to his people, raising up compassion and awareness. Church fights and envy do not lessen his impact. He works through the evil to produce the good. Joseph is dragged into Egypt, so God can enthrone him, fulfilling his promised purpose. Genesis, "50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Let us rejoice in God and do good. Never feel that he is limited. He can give revival as he sees fit! Let us pray!

God almighty in charge is the hope of believers. Be filled with hope and pressing onward. Seek opportunities and open doors. Be useful.

Thirdly, “believed.” They believed. They put their faith in Christ. They trusted him to save them, though they were wretched and miserable. They believed God was so good as to DIE FOR THEM and give them the gospel. Acts, "13:38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything."

They took the good news seriously. They didn’t squander it for another day. They didn’t go back to false religion. They cast off works of righteousness and relied on free grace. They glorified the word of the Lord, and lived by it.

Faith is what God commands. Say, “I believe the gospel. Therefore, I’m saved. I have all the privileges of eternal life”

Do you believe, dear one? I know that you believe. Believe, and be sure.