Appointed Life

"...and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." Acts 13:48

A.W Pink commenting on this verse states the following;

"Here we learn four things: First that believing is the consequence and not the cause of God's decree. Second, that a limited number only are '(appointed) to eternal life', for if all men without exception were thus ordained by God, then the words 'as many' are a meaningless qualification. Third, that this 'ordination' of God is not to mere external privileges but to eternal life, not to service but to salvation itself. Fourth, that all -'as many as' not one less- who are thus (appointed) by God to eternal life will most certainly believe."

I imagine all manner of exegetical-acrobats have been attempted to make this text mean something else, but the plain meaning of the text is what it is. This verse makes sense with Acts 18:9-10

"And the Lord said, 'Do not be afraid, but go on speaking....., for I have many in this city who are my people."

These truths bring Christians much peace and courage when sharing the Gospel. Upside-down theology causes gimmicks and fads which lead to fictitious Christians believing in a fictitious gospel.