People all over the world for some reason are fascinated by royalty. Many names hint at royal affiliations even though they probably belong to ordinary folks. Why are people in awe of noble birth, especially when earthly rulers are generally poor role models? With a few remarkable exceptions, today’s royalty is mostly ‘ sine nobilitatis’- without true nobility! The reason for our fascination with royal birth could possibly be a curious fact largely unknown. The holy scriptures reveal that no human being on earth is a commoner. So if it’s true that all human beings have the same royal parent, the cliché, ‘what’s in a name?’ merits far more consideration. The Bible indicates we are the exiled heirs of a real but hidden kingdom whose chosen lineage has the privilege of dual citizenship as kings and priests. This is the kingdom of God in heaven and earth that Jesus often spoke about. The Old Testament presents the Creator as the King of Kings who individually knows all his heirs by name even before they are conceived in their mother’s womb. However for some strange reason, most of his offspring fail to recognize him and wander far away unprotected and unaware of their enviable parentage. The scriptures indicate that one day inevitably all of us will meet our Maker - everyone will get an opportunity to accept or reject him. But seeing neither his form nor his comeliness or physical presence, people are not drawn to him. (Jn 1:13) But the few who recognize their liege when they believe, are blessed by the visitation, and receive him with overwhelming relief and gladness. It’s a life-giving encounter that brings a marvelous change of heart, marked by an unforgettable sense of homecoming. People undergoing this spiritual rebirth can testify it is as real as its physical counterpart. And just like an individual gradually attains maturity through life’s ups and downs so too a regenerated person is an unfinished work in progress growing steadily in wisdom and spiritual insight. Spiritually reborn people are drawn by the Creator from every creed and nation. Loosed from earthly traditions and desires they receive power to change their motivations as they discover an uncommon freedom from human bondages and fears. They are of eternal worth for the One who numbers even the hair on their heads. Facing challenges like anyone else, they have their struggles but they know a remarkable sense of security and purpose, and a peace that defies understanding. They may have nothing but they possess everything. (2 Cor 6:10) The joy of their salvation is their weapon against evil. Living in a world obsessed with speed to run ahead, they learn how to employ a calm which is genuine trust in action. Only their next step is uncertain, not their God. Perhaps a more apt description could be Sat-cit-anand (truth-consciousness- peace) - for mysteriously these individuals begin eternity here on earth. “This is eternal life, that they may know You....” (Jn 17:3) Records from the beginning of time in what the scriptures call the ‘Book of Life,’ disclose a celestial Parent who never gives up on his missing heirs. Secular history has kept no official record of his ancient covenant with man nor does it track his ongoing quest to reinstate mankind’s regal lineage, but it has documented one event vital to that restoration. A blood sacrifice unique in what it provided - a divine strategy inviting the lost heirs to reclaim their inheritance - but only if they are willing to receive God’s amazing grace. The ‘come as you are’ offer has no strings attached, and is subject only to the simple terms of reconciliation in the divine plan. A remarkable point made in the scriptures (Eph 1:18) is that man is God’s inheritance, which explains his untiring pursuit of people for their salvation, and the intrinsic value of every human being. Having no preferences of race or religion, our Creator yearns to rescue all his progeny. But in the laughter, lust, and losses of life, people hide their pain and stumble on paying no heed or tragically remaining in costly ignorance. They may be oblivious to him, but their Father’s ear is tuned to their silent cries as he relentlessly tracks cynical men’s lives, longing for his people to be liberated and acknowledge who he is. Eternal life for his chosen universal family is God’s plan for man. He has freely provided clean air, pure water, energy, light etc., but they can only sustain human life briefly. His will is for every individual to possess the priceless pearl of immortality - the only treasure worth giving up everything for. Yet it is obvious and incredible how he is continually turned down despite his painstaking efforts to win his people Unlike robots, people are designed with free will, and they can choose to accept r reject their divinity and royalty. The criptures note how heaven rejoices or mourns when a prodigal reclaims or refuses is true bloodline. Man’s free will implies he freedom to receive or reject. A gift that Someone is not ready to accept cannot be eely given. But nobody qualifies for the Creator’s gift of salvation by any earthly means or merit of their own lest any one should boast. Many people do not know about such a gift, some reject the Creator’s offer and others think they already have it. Throughout his realm clues are strewn around for those with ears to hear and eyes to see. Though hidden n plain sight for 2000 years, not many have dared to investigate the viability of something so priceless. Restrained by his own gift of our free will, God does not force it on anyone. And that is why many of us take it casually. For long years, I was single-minded about acquiring treasures on earth, taking great ride in my carnal pursuits. In the strength and haughtiness of youth it is easy to delude ourselves that immortality is already ours for he taking. I had heard about this merciful, anxious sovereign who humbles the proud and seeks he humble to instruct them in his ways. For very seeker the search for truth begins in the mind, but it concludes in the heart. It’s only a distance of about two feet, yet for many it is the longest journey of life or the most significant pilgrimage a person can make. Mercifully the father is patient and no matter how long his prodigal children choose to remain in exile where they are vulnerable to evil, he ensures hey are not overcome by it. My understanding of this vital truth happened only when I came to the end of myself at a major turning point in my own journey. Broken of my pride, weary in my spirit, I was finally willing to make major adjustments in my life. I came in humility seeking forgiveness, and walked away with faith and freedom and a wonderful sense f being unbound by time in unmistakable divine companionship. It is difficult to describe what I received and know ever since - the abiding experience of a fantastic mystery, and the unseen but tangible power of divine love as a personal shield. No middlemen are necessary, only a vertical relationship enables you to manage whatever good or bad comes across your way. In life’s crucible, setbacks, pain, sorrow, discouragement and despair do not have quite the same impact as they did before. In fact they only refine and bring about the change that is needed to get stronger. Success is not a destination anymore but a conviction to be accountable for the time I employ and enjoy on earth: How effectively am I doing the life I was called to and designed for? And that’s how many years ago the idea for this column was born. All spiritually renewed seekers discover they are entrusted with the privilege of sharing their rebirth experience. It’s astonishing how the incredible secret of man’s salvation is still largely left uninvestigated. In communicating its infinite value, people with circumcised hearts discover an endless labor of love. So in man’s epic search for redemption, I’m just another storyteller. I try to portray the mystery and conflict of man’s proud free will, and how helpless we really are against God’s radical love, holiness, humility, and justice. Noting how he calls and secures people marked for eternity is an absolutely fascinating quest. Interacting with his scattered, missing heirs regarding their rich legacy is something I never imagined could engage me with passion and creativity. But with royalty comes the responsibility modeled by Jesus himself, “...for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” (Jn 18: 37) Curious tales abound of this greatest, most magnificent of treasure hunts only a few venture to undertake. Every individual starts from a different viewpoint in their unique journey to faith. Whatever your path, if you are a true seeker, it’ll lead to Him. “Seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord.” (Jer 29:13-14 NKJV) That’s his promise. Testimonies of those who find the bread of life can be as startling as they are authentic. If determined not to be denied the truth as a rightful divine heir, every individual stands to inherit the promise of immortality. Some will opt to follow clever but hopeless man-made philosophies to the very end. Others will strike pure gold as they discover there is proven reassurance available on earth for a divinely ordained life in eternity. They will choose a future with the One who never ceases to search the horizon for their coming home. Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, Futurequest is a search for the truth in our times. Frank Raj is the founder editor of TII. ” “ drawn by the Creator from every creed and nation. Loosed from earthly traditions and desires they receive power to change their motivations as they discover an uncommon freedom from human bondages and fears. They are of eternal worth for the One who numbers even the hair on their heads.