July 7, 2002
Romans 8:29-30
For
whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His
Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He
predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified;
and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
In Romans 8:29-30 Paul continues the thought of verse 28 where he says we are called according to His purpose. He then gives a great panorama of that purpose:
For
whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His
Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;
Much explanation is needed here. This verse does not say that God foreknew my actions. It says He foreknew me, which is Step One in the redemption plan.
Nor does he say that God foreknew what I would do. It implies that He foreknew what He would do! Predestinated means that He predetermined our destination, which is not to salvation, but to Christ conformity. What a goal!
Everything that comes into our lives is designed to make us a little more like Jesus Christ Who is the firstborn among many brethren. He is the firstborn from the dead in a glorified body. There will be many, many more in that glorified image. God is starting to work on us now in that respect.
Now comes the procession, the chain of salvation that links eternity past with eternity future:
. . . and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He
called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also
glorified.
In God’s eternal plan we are already glorified. He states it as if it has already happened – and in God’s mind – it has! Just as sure as we have been predestined, called and justified, we will be glorified.
What powerful verses we have here. God’s eternal purpose for His people, from start to finish, is outlined for us.
Beloved, read this over and over again until it sinks into your minds. And remember, God causes all things that come into our lives to work together for our good, which is to conform us into the image of His blessed Son. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles