Will all people be able to return to God, or does He pick and choose? Many people have the false assumption that they can go through their mortal life and they are saved by the grace of God without any sincerity on their part. It is true that we are saved by grace; but if we have no desire or intent to obey, then we can likewise assume that God has no desire or intent to save us. God does pick and choose those who will be “saved.” It is very simple to be favored of God; simply, obey His commandments and you will be blessed. Here are a few observations:
1. Obedience – This is essential to our salvation. We receive blessings via our obedience. When we almost keep the commandments, we almost receive the blessing.
2. Black and White – Everything is black and white, right or wrong. Some people try to claim there are shades of gray regarding sin. However, God takes a different view: either you sin or you do not. There are no shades of gray, or degrees of sin.
D&C 1:31 “For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.”
3. Like Father, Like Son – When raising children, I have often found that as a father I favor some of my children above others. Looking back, I see that it was actually their obedience that I favored. I love all my children equally, but I give more “blessings” to children that are more obedient. As we are all children of our Heavenly Father, I can better understand why He favors obedience.
Some additional scripture to ponder:
Colossians 3:25 “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Acts 10:34-35 “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
So finally, the answer to the question, “Does God play favorites with people?” is YES. God favors those who love Him and obey His commandments.
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