Read Romans 8:29-39
In our last article, we began looking at what God has supplied us with to enable us to grow as Christians. We saw, first, that He has supplied us with the certain hope of “the redemption of our body” (v23)1 when the Lord returns at the Rapture. Then Paul informs us of the intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit, when we don’t know what to pray when facing trials. Thirdly, he assures us that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (v28).
Notice the last clause of this verse, “to them who are the called according to his purpose,” and particularly “his purpose.” This leads us into verses 29 and 30, where Paul elaborates on “his purpose” for all believers. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate …” This is God’s eternal plan for every believer. Verse 29 commences with “For whom he did foreknow,” not “what he did foreknow.” The reference is not to events but to people. The verb “to foreknow” quite literally means “to know beforehand.” It appears five times in the New Testament. On three of these occasions (including here), it includes the idea of fore-choice. For example, in 1 Peter 1:20 we read in relation to Christ, “who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world …” Here it is translated “foreordained,” which in this context is clearly the idea being expressed. The verse is stating that before the foundation of the world, God had fore-chosen Christ to be the Redeemer. Now, in Romans 8:29, we learn that God not only knew us before the foundation of the world but pre-planned our future. Space will not allow me to elaborate on the subject of election. However, there are two sides to this topic. On the one hand, we have divine sovereignty. On the other hand, we have human responsibility. These appear to be conflicting views, but they are not. On the one hand, Ephesians 1:4 states, “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.” On the other, John 3:16 states, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This is neither contradictory nor unreasonable. It is above human reason.
In Romans 8:29, we now learn to what end we were fore-chosen: “He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.” That is, before the foundation of the world, God predetermined that we would become like Christ. We will share the same kind of body, that is, bodies of glory, sinless bodies. Hence, we will never grieve Him again. We will never be separated from Him because of sin. The verse proceeds, “that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” It has often been said, “God loves His Son so much that He wants to have millions like Him.”
Now notice verse 30, “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” If you are a believer, you will remember when you were called. That is an event you could never forget. Although in my case it was nearly sixty-five years ago, it still remains fresh in my mind. The instant I responded and trusted Christ, I was justified. God’s own righteousness was accredited to me. But the next statement is, “Whom he justified, them he also glorified.” I don’t feel glorified, and I certainly don’t appear to be glorified. The point is that this verse is not referring to events as they happened in our lives. Rather, it is referring to God’s purpose, or plan, for us. When God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, He predetermined the whole program for our eternal future. When we trusted Christ, we were as safe as though we were already with Christ in heaven. In Luke 8:22, the Lord said to His disciples, “Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.” During the journey they experienced a terrifying storm, which the Lord stilled. He didn’t promise them a smooth journey, but He did promise them a safe arrival. When the Lord says, “Let us go over unto the other side,” we can be certain that we will reach our destination safely. Surely, the fact that God has our eternal future under control should give us tremendous confidence that He can support us on the journey through.
The Believer’s Triumph
In verses 31-39 we have a series of questions that are answered by questions. First, Paul introduces the subject with a question: “What shall we then say to these things?” (v31). In other words, “In light of God’s plans for our future, how should we respond?” Then follows the first leading question: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” In what has preceded in this chapter, Paul proves that God is most definitely for us. Paul’s response to this question is, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (v32). Surely the God who gave us the very best gift will not be against us but will supply all our needs.
The second question is, “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect?” (v33). Paul replies, “Will God that justifieth [us]?”2 How can God who justified us from every charge against us turn around and accuse us?
The third question is, “Who is he that condemneth?” (v34). To this he replies, “Will Christ, that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us?”3 Will the One who died to save us, and now lives to keep us, condemn us?
Finally, Paul questions, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” His reply is, “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (v35). Read the rest of the chapter, from verses 36-39, but note particularly the concluding remarks of verse 39, “[None of these things] shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is what makes us “more than conquerors” (v37).
Our final article will be in chapter 12.
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV.
2 My own translation
3 My own translation
