Destiny is defined as, “A predetermined course of events… (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). The concept of destiny can be viewed biblically or unbiblically. I will not worry about unbiblical views of destiny in this blog, but I do want to consider our destinies according to Scripture. We all have the same two possible destinies—Heaven or Hell. We are all destined to be judged before God.
Romans 14:10-12 (ESV)
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
This is a destiny that none of us can change. The Day of Judgment is an event predetermined by God. We can, however, determine what the outcome of our judgment will be. From this standpoint, we all choose our final destiny.
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
We determine for ourselves what we do with our bodies. Our course of life is not determined by fate, nor is it predetermined by God. The only thing God predetermines is that we will be judged according to what we do.
Do you use your tongue as a tool for gossip? If so, you have decided to do that, not some mystical power called destiny. We all have the ability to use our tongues for good.
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior by obeying the gospel of Christ, and, if so, are you continuing to live a life pleasing to God? The choice is yours.
Philippians 2:12 (ESV)
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
All the instructions given to us in the Word of God tell us that we determine our own destiny. This is by divine design. God created us in His image (Genesis 1:26), a part of which is giving us a mind to think and reason, and, thereby, determine where we will spend eternity.
What is your destiny? Remember, there are only two choices. Is it your determination to go to heaven? If it is, live like it. I know it is not your desire to spend eternity in hell but if you are not obeying the gospel that is the destiny you are choosing for yourself (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
Your final destiny is not determined until you die, or Jesus comes back. That means you still have time to determine what your destiny will be. Make wise decisions. Determine right now that you want to be with God when this life ends. Do God’s will and you will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21). That will be a great destiny, indeed!
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.