It’s Our Choice 

   “What we get afterward we choose here; and what we reap there we sow here.” (St. Augustine) 

   God offers us many gifts.  He will grant us peace of heart, happiness in life, and most importantly the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life in His kingdom.  However, gifts are never forced upon us, they must be accepted.  The same is true of the gifts of God.

   Many who do not believe in God say that they can’t believe in a God who would send people to hell.  But they misunderstand; God sends no one to hell.  Each of us chooses our place in eternity.

   We were endowed with free will, therefore we have the choice of whether to accept the gifts God offers to us.  But, like any decision we make, there are consequences.  We may opt to ignore God and His many gifts and blessings and go it on our own.  But should we do so, we alone are responsible for the outcome.

   “It is not his wish that any should perish but rather that all should be brought to repentance.” (2 Peter 3: 9).  God’s desire is for all to accept His blessings, but the decision is ultimately up to us.  However, we must understand that by that choice, we will determine whether we will spend eternity in heaven or in hell.