“That can’t be right !” we might cry out. Surely the God of love wouldn’t prepare some people for destruction? Yet that is what Romans 9:22-23 seems to indicate. Rom 9:22 “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—” Here are two groups of people. Some are called vessels of wrath prepared for destruction “and the others are called “vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for glory.” Both groups are called “vessels “described by the Greek word “skeuos” which can mean a utensil for carrying anything or an instrument such as a person.
The 1st group, “vessels of wrath prepared for destruction” are described that way as shown in verse 22, “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured [them] with much patience.” It appears that God’s patience with their sin will eventually come to an end and His punishment follows. The reason Jesus came to earth was to die for sin so that humans would not have to face the wrath of God for their sin. By confessing their sin and trusting in Christ for salvation they could avert the wrath of God. But these people have chosen not to do so. This truth was shown by Saint John in John chapter 3 verses 16 to 18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” God’s grace and mercy are offered freely to every human being. However they have a choice to make. To accept His grace in Christ or to live as they please, ignoring the grace of God and ultimately the God of grace. There are consequences for rejecting the God of grace.
The 2nd group, “vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for glory” are those who have repented of their sin and have accepted Christ as their Saviour from sin. They are “vessels of mercy” because they have received God’s mercy in accepting Christ as their Saviour. They were “prepared beforehand for glory“ because God in His omniscience knows who will receive Him and who were reject Him. This truth is seen in 1Peter 1:1-2, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit … .” They are the elect or chosen because God in His foreknowledge knew who would respond to Him.
WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF HIS VESSELS OF MERCY. Ephesians 2:8-10. He has good works for us to do! As Saint Paul wrote, Eph 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God has good works which He has prepared beforehand for His people to do. Not only has he prepared His people beforehand for glory but He was also prepared beforehand the good works He wants them to accomplish. So the redeemed Christian life is not a matter of believers trying to do things to please God, but allowing Him to show them the works He wants them to do and receiving His grace to enable them to do them. Saint Paul encourages us in this process in Philippians 2:12-13, “…. . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” We are to work out in practice what God is working in us. He works in us to give us both the willingness and the ability to do the things that please Him. At this coming Christmas season our attention is drawn to Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, the redeemer of humankind, the Lord of the universe and the ultimate judge. But there is a choice to be made. To accept His amazing grace in coming into the world to die for us or the choice to remain as we are, rejecting the grace and mercy of the eternal loving God. It is not too late to make the right decision and discover the amazing love and mercy of the omnipotent, all powerful, omniscient all-knowing loving God. Blog No.583 posted on Tuesday, 09 December 2025.
In a very challenging time healthwise in our marriage I was led to attempt to get my thinking and behaviour into the centre of God’s will for my wife and myself. I felt that I should look into St Paul’s teaching in Ephesians and see how my prayers could be based on God’s revelation of His purposes and will in that epistle. The search was personally helpful for it helped to strengthen both my wife and I as she faced the threat of terminal cancers.
A]. SUMMARY OF ARTICLES BASED ON CHAPTER 1 OF EPHESIANS
290. This article has links to 8 articles summarising chapter 1
It is exactly 6 years ago since I answered the phone to hear these words, “Mr Holbeck, your wife Carole passed away just a few minutes ago.” They were from the person in charge of the Palliative Care ward at Wauchope, the neighbouring town.
I was shocked but not surprised because the doctor had told us both just two days earlier that Carole could not live longer than 2 or 3 days. I had spent the whole day with her as she lay there in an unresponsive state. Carole had previously insisted I drove home before darkness fell, and I did so after praying over her and telling her I loved her and that if Jesus was calling her home, I would be ok.
Life was a bit of a blur for some time after that but I did manage to write a tribute to her which was handed out at her Thanksgiving service a few days later, 329. A Tribute To A Wonderful Godly Woman. Carole Ann Holbeck. My Late Beloved Wife and Very Best Friend and another the night before her Thanksgiving service. [Here] Since that time I have reflected on significant moments in our relationship, little moments that have stuck in my memory for decades after. At a church barbeque on the beach how I decided to fetch the food for a younger person who was severely physically handicapped. As I arrived back with the food there was Carole who had had the same idea also bringing food back to the young man. I remember thinking what a kind, thoughtful, generous person this young woman is. [And very attractive as well.] From that moment I saw how this attitude of thoughtful generosity marked every aspect of her life.
I remember the first time she told me she loved me and I felt the most privileged man on earth to be loved by such a beautiful, intelligent, self-giving creature. Later came the time when I asked Carole in a hypothetical way what she would say if someday I asked her to marry me. Her immediate answer was, “I would say Yes!” Hearing this reply, I proposed and she accepted my proposal. This to my utter amazement and deep joy.
There is another memory that often comes into my mind. Carole had flown from Brisbane to Melbourne where I was residing in a Theological College. As we walked together along one of the streets in the CBD of Melbourne with Carole’s arm linked through mine, I thought I was the most privileged person on earth to have such a beautiful, attractive woman on my arm. I saw it as being God’s blessing on my life, thoroughly undeserved, but deeply , deeply appreciated.
Perhaps my most recent memory comes from the time I was helping Carole move from our bedroom to her favourite chair in the lounge. This was just a couple of days before I drove her to hospital at her request, our very last trip together. As we moved together she suddenly stopped and turning towards me said these unforgettable words, “Thank you for loving me! Thank you for caring for me!” I suppose they summarised our 55 years of being committed to one another and 54 years of a blissful marriage. These words have meant so much to me over the last 6 years.
There are of course many other precious memories I remember from time to time, but all of them fill me with gratitude to God for His amazing grace in allowing me to meet and fall in love in the most beautiful, attractive woman I have ever met. How gracious is our God!
I reached the age of 90 years on Tuesday 14th OCTOBER. What a privilege to have lived for all those years in the Lord’s beautiful world. I did some research and discovered that of all Australian men born in1935, only 22% of us will get to the age of 90. It is an undeserved privilege bestowed on me by the grace of a loving God. I am amazed to realise that I was brought into the world to serve some purpose in the Lord’s eternal plan. For 70 of those years I have tried to fulfil His purpose for me. He has always been faithful in providing the grace I needed to live for Him in spite of my unavailability at times.
What a privilege to be born into a loving family where riches were not abundant but where love and support certainly were.
Then to befriend a beautiful, attractive, intelligent young woman who became my very best friend and who amazingly responded to my proposal of marriage; a marriage which was blessed for 54 years before the Lord called her home. And the joy of bringing 3 wonderful children into the world and through them 4 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren.
The privilege of serving the Lord, in many places in Australia, in New Zealand, and in Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida in the United States. As a result, deep friendships that have lasted for decades. And to realise that the Lord had “planned” my days so that I was offered positions in ministry rather than having to apply for them, as Psalm 139 verse 16 indicates, “Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.” Being interested in words I looked up the word “planned” in this verse in the Greek version of the Old Testament. [The LXX]. It is the word πλάσσω; plassō meaning to mould [like a potter] or to fashion or form. Grace upon grace upon grace to realise that my whole life has been part of His eternal plan and purpose and that when my mind made some plans for the future, the Lord over-ruled to His glory, Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
Reaching 90 years of age is a privilege I deeply appreciate and I praise the Lord for His amazing grace in allowing me to do so.
Just 50 years ago on the 6th September 1975 Carlyle Carroll Tapsell went home to the Lord.
Carl Tapsell was a penalty-corner pioneer in field hockey, the first penalty-corner goal-scoring specialist in the game. ChatGPT said of him, Carlyle Tapsell’s contribution to field hockey was significant because he was part of India’s golden era of dominance in the sport, helping to cement India’s reputation as the world’s leading hockey nation in the early 20th century. Here’s a breakdown of his contributions:
🏑 As a Player
Double Olympic Champion:
1932 Los Angeles: Member of the Indian team that dominated, scoring 24–1 against the USA in one match and winning gold.
1936 Berlin: Played in the famous final where India beat Germany 8–1 before Adolf Hitler and a huge crowd.
Key Position: Played halfback, a crucial role linking defence and attack. He was known for his speed, anticipation, and strong tackling.
Versatility: He was admired for his ability to adapt and play different positions when needed, which strengthened India’s depth.
🌏 Legacy
Helped establish India as an unstoppable hockey powerhouse of the 1930s.
Part of the team that inspired generations of Indian players and contributed to hockey’s popularity in India.
Represented the Anglo-Indian community in India’s international sporting success, showcasing diversity in Indian sports at the time.
His participation in two consecutive Olympics added to India’s streak of six consecutive Olympic golds (1928–1956).
Indian hockey team members on the voyage to Los Angeles for the 1932 Olympic Games. Carl is on the left of the ship’s Captain.
Carl Tapsell in Australia
Carl, his wife Eileen and daughter Carole moved to Ipswich in Australia in 1947. He immediately had a major impact upon the field hockey scene in Australia. The following are newspaper reports on his playing skill in a competition in 1948.
South Queensland hockey. 1948
South Queensland hockey season opened yesterday at Ipswich with the Adamson Cup carnival.
Twenty-four teams are competing and the series reached the quarterfinals stage.
Ipswich produced something in class when they trotted on to the field with Carl Tapsell at the lead. Carl is an ex-Indian Olympiad. He played for India at the Los Angeles games in 1932 and again in 1936 in Berlin, when India carried off the trophy. Playing fuilback, Tapsell showed subtleties of the game that were a revelation to the spectators. Definitely, is an asset to Queensland hockey. Ipswich won their way to the quarter- finals by constructive right wing tactics, in most instances touched off by Tapsell.
Ably led by Carl Tapsell, the Ipswich team has reached the semi-finals. Considerable Interest was desired, and all visitors have taken in the first appearance in Australia of Tapsell, who represented the world’s champions (India) at the Olympic Games in 1932 and 1936. Tapsell’s experience and leadership were throughout especially with his penalty corners.
Photo 1. TheTapsells in India before moving to Australia.
Photo 2. The Tapsell family in Ipswich.
Carl’s contribution continued as he tutored young hockey players in the subtleties of the game. One of them not only represented Australia as a player but later coached the Australian and the Great Britain Olympic hockey teams.
Retirement from hockey meant taking up the game of golf. Here again he excelled and he represented the Queensland Railways golf team in national competitions. In both sports Carl was seen as a dedicated sportsman respecting the rules of the games and the officials. He was a gentleman in every aspect of life and had a very deep love for his wife and daughter. He also became besotted with his grandchildren when they arrived some years later.
My contact with Carl came when I went to their home to plan the lessons for Junior church with his wife and first met their beautiful daughter Carole. Carole later joined the Youth Group I was leading and the rest is history as they say. Their parenting was outstanding and because of that I married the nicest, most generous gracious woman ever born.
Carl was very proud of his wife’s musical talents as a pianist and organist and as a woman of deep prayer. He was also very proud of his daughter Carole who excelled as a sportswoman in athletics, netball, swimming and later hockey. Had he lived longer he would have been very proud of his grandson James who became an Australian 7 test Wallaby Rugby Union player.
Only the Lord knows the impact of his life and witness in his time on earth, but it would have been immense as a loving husband and father and as a faithful friend. Also as a sportsman. A famous coach once observed of Carl, “This player has influenced the standard of the game considerably and his presence on our playing fields has been a model for all who wish to secure the highest honour the game can offer. A gentleman both on and off the field, Carl by his demeanour has set example of conduct and playing ability that will have a lasting effect on our game.”
Photo3. Carl proudly escorting his daughter Carole to her wedding.
Photo4. A very happy photo of the wedding party on Carole’s big day.
I have just returned from the the Thanksgiving service for my elder sister Ellen aged 93years who passed into the presence of the Lord on Thursday10th July.There is always a sense of grief when a loved one passes into the presence of the Lord, even though we know will be reunited with them when Jesus returns.
The following are personal thoughts on dealing with grief. I found it helpful to express my thoughts in articles I have written on my WordPress site. I sometimes find it helpful myself to click back on these articles to read what I was feeling at the time they were written.
What a race! No it wasn’t the athletic sprint race I was watching at the Gympie State High School Athletic Carnival where Ellen became a place-getter. Rather it was a much longer race which Ellen ran, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the goal to be one with Jesus, for about 80 years. Now she has finished her life race of 93 years and is enjoying her new life with Jesus and with her loved ones who have preceded her into glory.
Ellen was a brilliant student who topped most exams. As a young student she won an Australia wide essay competition with some financial reward. Decades later she informed the organisation that her father had helped her in writing the essay and asked how she might return the prize money. However, they told that they appreciated her honesty but there was no need to return the money. This was a true indication of her desire to be completely honest in her commitment to Christ as her Lord.
Ellen was born in Brisbane but grew up in Gympie where she became a believer to the Lord in her teens. From that time onwards she was fully committed to the Lord.She was an evangelist who simply wanted to share with anyone, the good news of Jesus that she had experienced in her relationship with Him.
When we moved to Ipswich she did well at Qld Uni and began teaching soon after. Her first placement was at a Preschool in Ipswich but she later taught at the Presbyterian Ladies College in Sydney and many other places in Qld.
In the late 1920’s her mother Dorothy and a friend Mavis had spent a holiday in Tasmania and later another in Coolangatta. It was there Dorothy met her future husband Charlie, and their attendants at their wedding were Mavis and her husband Hugh. They remained best friends for decades.
In one of those nice things in life Mavis’ son Don fell in love with Dorothy’s daughter Ellen and they married soon after.
Don became an Anglican minister and they faithfully served the Lord in Coorparoo in Brisbane and in country Queensland. They also spent some time in Sydney at the Healing Ministry in Sydney where I was in charge, and my wife Carole as a Senior Head Teacher, employed her at the Loftus campus of TAFE. She helped those learning English as a second language and especially helped an international Rugby Union player in his ability to communicate.
It was wonderful that they were able to retire to Forest Lake in Brisbane and eventually 4 of their 5 children also settled nearby.
As Ellen’s young brother I was always amazed at her intelligence and her ability to handle any challenges. She encouraged me in many ways and especially when I gave my life to the Lord. Don and Ellen gave me the first Bible I ever owned and always encouraged me in my ministry.
Summing up I would say that she was the best sort of sister one could be blessed with in life, and her children followed her and Don in becoming the highly intelligent and caring humans one could find anywhere.
Praise God for the life of Ellen Ann Routley, born 29 February 1932 and who passed into the presence of the Lord on Thursday 10th July 2025.
She rests in peace and is enjoying her reward for her total commitment to Jesus.
It’s amazing how very often complex truths can be expressed simply in a few words. One great example of this is in St Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In one verse in particular, he concisely summarises the reason Jesus humbled Himself to come to earth. It is in chapter 1 verse 4, “who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”
We notice first of all that in the previous verse Jesus is described as, “the Lord Jesus Christ.”The term “Lord Jesus Christ” is used in 61 verses in the New Testament. It reminds us that Jesus was the Christos, the Anointed One, the Messiah whose coming into the world had been prophesied centuries before. But He was also recognised as the kurios, the Lord, a title used of God Himself. Some have asked when did Jesus become “The Lord?” Some shepherds were the first to be told that a new born baby was a Saviour, the Messiah and the Lord, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11. It was a title the apostle Thomas declared when He met the risen Jesus, “Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!’” John 20:28. Certainly after His resurrection, the disciples had no qualms about recognising Jesus as the Lord, and as the eternal Son of God.
What did Paul write about Jesus in verse 4?
A]. “Who Gave Himself For Our Sins.”
He gave Himself, where “gave” is from didōmi, to give, deliver (up). In the most well-known verse in the Bible the apostle John wrote, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. “Gave” here is the same word didōmi. This verse answers some critics who suggest that God cannot be a God of love if He was willing to give His Son up to death. But Jesus gave Himself to die for the sins of humans. It’s as though in the eternal counsels of God that He and Jesus His Son agreed on the mode of salvation. Their plan was that Jesus would give Himself to die for the sins of the world.
B]. “For Our Sins.”
There are many words for “sin” in the New Testament and the one used here is hamartia. It means a falling short, missing the mark or doing the wrong thing. It is universal among humans as St Paul wrote in Romans using the verb form of the word, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Rom 3:23.
Perhaps there has always been the belief that sin must be punished. The Jews in New Testament times would have been familiar with this verse in Ezekiel, “The one who sins is the one who will die.” Exodus 18:20. Or as St Paul would later write, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.
Forgiveness for human sin could not be earned or deserved. It could only come from the grace of God to those who put their trust in Jesus. As St Paul wrote, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Eph 1:7.
C]. “To Deliver Us”
“Deliver” is from exaireō, meaning to tear out, to select; to release, deliver, pluck out, rescue. Jesus’ death on the cross delivered or rescued guilty sinners from spiritual death if they trusted in Him. They are rescued from the power of the present evil age while still living in it.
D]. “From The Present Evil Age.”
“Age” here is from aiōn meaning a significant period of time, the present nature of the world in its thinking and behaviour. It’s as though humans are trapped in the world’s system with its inability to produce godly living. But Jesus came to set the captives free, to become new creatures as St Paul wrote in 2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” The word for “new” here is kainos rather than neos. Neos means a brushed up version of the old or recent. However kainos means something radically new, a life with new and deeper dimensions.
The Holy Spirit indwells all believers in Christ and imparts the wisdom of God to those open to receive it. So they are able to know the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to become aware of false teaching and false behaviour. The Holy Spirit also imparts the life of Christ into every believer and sets them free from the limitations of their old unregenerate lives.
E]. “According To The Will Of Our God And Father.”
The death of Christ was not an unfortunate event. His death had been planned eternally and was in accord with the will of God. It meant too that believers could know a new dimension of living, by walking according to the dictates of the Spirit rather than walking according to the dictates of their lower nature, the flesh.
So in this one verse we have so much theological truth. And it all stems from the grace of God. His grace is seen in the death of Christ so that those who believe in Him receive both forgiveness of their sins and also the gift of eternal life. His grace continues throughout the believer’s experience in enabling them to become the person God wants them to be. They are to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil 2:13. His ongoing grace is seen in working out in their lives what He is inwardly working within them, giving them both the willingness and the ability to please Him. “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound!”
Galatians was among the first epistles written by Saint Paul to churches in the Roman Empire. It contains information to help the Christians in the church in Galatia to distinguish between true and false teaching. It also contains some encouraging truths for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ. For example, how to distinguish between the works of the flesh which are not pleasing to God, and the fruit of the Spirit which is, in chapter 5.
Because my Bible Study group is about to study Galatians as a Bible study I thought I would compile some of the articles I have written in the past to help them in their preparation. It occurred to me that believers throughout the world could be helped if they had access to these articles. The articles can be freely opened and read by clicking on the numbers in the list below. It could be helpful if you were willing to send the links to family or friends whom you think might be helped by these articles.
Trusting that you might find these articles personally helpful and helpful to others with whom you might share these truths.
The following are links to my articles published on my blog site www.jimholbeck.blog between 2012 and 2022.
Perhaps this verse is the most well-known verse of the Bible throughout the world. It has been called “The gospel is a nutshell.” The verse has the words of Jesus, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
THE GOOD NEWS OF THE VERSE
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son”
Here is the amazing truth about the love of God.
The magnitude of the love. The words “so loved” indicate the magnitude of the love that was shown. It was a love that gave!
The magnitude of the gift. that He gave his only Son.” No greater gift could ever be imagined. It is amazing that the Holy God Yahweh could hand over His Son to die for sinners who were sinful, undeserving and unworthy of His love. Why would He do so? What was His purpose in giving such a gift?
The magnitude of God’s purpose in giving.“that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” It was to save humans from perishing. All humans needed to do was to put their trust in Jesus as the One who had died in their place and they would be granted eternal life in Him. They would no longer perish.
THE BAD NEWS OF THE VERSE
“should not perish”. The words seem to be out of place in a verse declaring so beautifully the love of God. But they are there, and we need to consider their significance. Indeed as we consider the words in the context of the whole verse, it suddenly highlights two truths.
i]. The first truth is the state of humankind before Jesus came to earth and died for sinners.
They were in danger of perishing. Did this mean that they would perish when Jesus returned to judge the world at the end of time and would perish then? Or were they in a state of perishing while they were still living on earth?
Some indication might be given in the later verses where Jesus said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:17-18.
God’s purpose in sending His Son into the world was to save the world from perishing because it was already condemned. But if anyone believed in Jesus they would no longer be perishing or be condemned.
ii]. The second truth is the magnitude of the love of God seen in Jesus’ death for sinners.
Someone once wrote that one cannot understand or fully appreciate the good news of the gospel until they recognise the bad news. It is true in the lives of many people that when they were first acquainted with the gospel in John 3:16, they were captivated by the concept of God loving them. But their appreciation of the love of God deepened when they came to understand the magnitude of human sin and God’s grace and love in forgiving sinners in Jesus.
Not only that but also granting them eternal life when they trusted in Jesus.
No wonder John was able to declare in writing, “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”1 John 5:11-13.
Those who believe in the name of the Son of God “have” the Son and possess eternal life in Him.
What wonderful truths are contained in John 3:16 where God declares that He has made provision for forgiveness of human sins and that all that any human needs to do to be forgiven and receive eternal life, is to trust in His Son Jesus. That means an ongoing commitment to Him for the rest of that person’s life, whilst realising that the new life he has received will take him to spend eternity in the presence of Jesus.
What incredible love God has bestowed on His people through the gift of His Son.
What a privilege to be able to receive that love in Jesus and to live in a secure relationship with Him for eternity.
holbeck 
583. GOD PREPARES HIS PEOPLE FOR GLORY AND UNBELIEVERS FOR DESTRUCTION.
“That can’t be right !” we might cry out. Surely the God of love wouldn’t prepare some people for destruction? Yet that is what Romans 9:22-23 seems to indicate. Rom 9:22 “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—”
Here are two groups of people. Some are called vessels of wrath prepared for destruction “and the others are called “vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for glory.”
Both groups are called “vessels “described by the Greek word “skeuos” which can mean a utensil for carrying anything or an instrument such as a person.
The 1st group, “vessels of wrath prepared for destruction” are described that way as shown in verse 22, “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured [them] with much patience.” It appears that God’s patience with their sin will eventually come to an end and His punishment follows. The reason Jesus came to earth was to die for sin so that humans would not have to face the wrath of God for their sin. By confessing their sin and trusting in Christ for salvation they could avert the wrath of God. But these people have chosen not to do so.
This truth was shown by Saint John in John chapter 3 verses 16 to 18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
God’s grace and mercy are offered freely to every human being. However they have a choice to make. To accept His grace in Christ or to live as they please, ignoring the grace of God and ultimately the God of grace. There are consequences for rejecting the God of grace.
The 2nd group, “vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for glory” are those who have repented of their sin and have accepted Christ as their Saviour from sin. They are “vessels of mercy” because they have received God’s mercy in accepting Christ as their Saviour. They were “prepared beforehand for glory“ because God in His omniscience knows who will receive Him and who were reject Him. This truth is seen in 1Peter 1:1-2, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit … .” They are the elect or chosen because God in His foreknowledge knew who would respond to Him.
WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF HIS VESSELS OF MERCY. Ephesians 2:8-10.
He has good works for us to do! As Saint Paul wrote, Eph 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
God has good works which He has prepared beforehand for His people to do. Not only has he prepared His people beforehand for glory but He was also prepared beforehand the good works He wants them to accomplish. So the redeemed Christian life is not a matter of believers trying to do things to please God, but allowing Him to show them the works He wants them to do and receiving His grace to enable them to do them.
Saint Paul encourages us in this process in Philippians 2:12-13, “…. . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” We are to work out in practice what God is working in us. He works in us to give us both the willingness and the ability to do the things that please Him.
At this coming Christmas season our attention is drawn to Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, the redeemer of humankind, the Lord of the universe and the ultimate judge. But there is a choice to be made. To accept His amazing grace in coming into the world to die for us or the choice to remain as we are, rejecting the grace and mercy of the eternal loving God. It is not too late to make the right decision and discover the amazing love and mercy of the omnipotent, all powerful, omniscient all-knowing loving God.
Blog No.583 posted on Tuesday, 09 December 2025.