29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
30 And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].
A couple weeks ago I wrote about the foreknowledge of God. The conclusion I came to is that there are some things that shall be left with God (like his knowledge about today, that was His before He started time). Some things aren’t understood, they just have to come down to FAITH in God, trust in the mysteries and rest in knowing that God is God and we are not. God knows those whom he’s chosen before the beginning of time to become like Christ. Meaning in his foreknowledge he foreordained, for-chose, those who would be saved. Now remember He wishes none shall perish but he knows those that will follow. He knew them before time began because, well, He is God.That is my limited conclusion of verse 29.
Th key to Romans 8:28 All things work together for good for those that love God and are called according to his purposes is found in verses 29 & 30 because God works things together for those that are CALLED (vs 29) according to his purposes(verse 30).
What are his purposes?
His purpose is salvation. Its the reason God is working it together for good. His purpose is for His Glory. God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Christ and are called according to HIS purposes to bring eternal glory to Him. That is the purpose of it all. He didn’t choose the beginning of our salvation, He purposed the end of it. Those he predestined he chose to bring us to salvation and to the praise and glory of his grace.
You see this isn’t about you, its about God. The purpose of salvation, of God calling you, is not to save you from hell it is so that you be conformed to the image of His Son. Salvation is defined by what God has decided. It is based on the sovereign pleasure of God. God’s foreknowledge and predestination of the ones he calls is not meant to limit God’s love, grace and mercy nor to exclude some from the Gospel it is meant to strengthen believers.
So going through verse 30 tells us, those he foreordained, he called (whispered in their heart and gave them enough faith to believe). Those he called he justified, meaning he put them in right standing with himself through their trust and faith in Jesus Christ as the sacrifice that wipes away their sin. That, being Jesus, makes them righteous, not of their own doing but because of Jesus death on the cross. Those he justified, he also glorified, the purpose of salvation. To bring Glory to God and worship Him forever.
All of this is foolishness to those who don’t know Him. So if you are that person, forgive my foolish writing today. It is meant for those that know God and are called according to his purposes. If you don’t know him, I’ll continue to share with you about His Glory and His unselfish love and I’ll pray that you will hear His call and follow Him on a journey to Life.
If you do know him, I pray you continue to grasp how deep and wide is the love of Christ for you. That God sent him as the redeeming sacrifice of your sin. Your sin no matter how big or how mild you think it is, has been paid for. ALL sin is disgusting to God, it had to be paid for and Jesus did it with his life. You have been justified and now are called to live out your purpose…bring Glory to God. Simple.
How do you do it every day? I’ll tell you how I do, tomorrow.