Romans 8:28-31
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What then, shall we say in response to these things?
Great question Paul! What do we say in response to the depth of theological statements made in such short verses? How is it possible that in three verses there are so many different theological terms and ideas to wade our way through in an effort at discerning Paul’s meaning and intention in this passage? First Paul encourages us that no matter what happens to us, good or bad, God can work through those things and bring good out of them. Second he then goes into a long statement about the nature of our salvation and God’s redemptive work in our lives. He says that Christians are called, predestined, foreknown, conformed into the image of Christ, brothers and sisters with Christ, justified, and glorified. Indeed, what are we to say in response to the enormity of what is communicated in these verses?
For many Wesleyans, this is a passage not to be stared at too long. The numbers of Wesleyans I have heard in the same breath affirm the authority or even the inerrancy of scripture and then deny the existence of predestination is astounding. Yet, here we have it, Paul, as in other passages talks about predestination. What’s a Wesleyan supposed to say in response? We must say, praise God Almighty!
Too long in the church we have debated or argued over the nature of our predestination, (when it takes place, who is predestined, who is not, is this fair) and have missed out on joining in celebration of the encouragement and beautiful image of God gifted to us in this passage. Paul, in an effort to comfort and encourage a church filled with internal and external turmoil, reminds them that they, as followers of Jesus Christ, have God on their side. There is nothing that can overcome them because God is for them. We have immense joy at the thought that God has known us from before our birth, that he has loved us, that he has called us to serve him and because of that call he is working to form us into the image of Christ. Is there a more encouraging passage in all of scripture? God is at work in his people. God is for us, working on our behalf, in good time and bad. Our creator has formed us and called us with a purpose and he will be faithful to see it through to completion. The onus is not on us to create a purpose for our lives or to find our own strength to complete it because God is the source of both.
So be encouraged today. You have been chosen, whatever that means. It may mean that you were chosen because God knew how you would respond, or because you did respond, or because God just wanted to choose you. Regardless, all those who love God are chosen and called and filled with Christ and sent into the world with God on their side. Praise be to God, who is working among us, through us, around us, above us, under us, and in us to fulfill his plan. May we, your humble servants and loving children, never cease to praise your for your faithfulness Father.
Amen
September 12, 2006 at 3:39 pm
What else can one say but thank You! Beyond that…assurance of being chosen shuts the biggest of mouths. Words cannot express this great thanks. I like the next part about being more than conquerors and not being separated. Can’t touch this…
September 12, 2006 at 5:52 pm
One of my favorite parts of Romans, actually, even for a life-long Methodist. All praise to God.
September 14, 2006 at 12:56 pm
Greg–
This is not so much a “comment” on this blog post as it is a way to respond to your question on the Naz Roundtable: “How did you get where you are?”
Well, an odd journey for sure. I spent about 10 years in professional theatre (actor, director, writer, designer, trash guy, etc.). I founded a professional non-profit theatre in Nashville. Served as artistic director for about 4 years before God called me to preach. That began a transition of many things. Eventually I was wrapping up grad school (Trevecca, MA in Biblical Studies and Theology) while serving as the Pastor to Families with Youth at Nashville First Naz. Had some great synergy there with a few of the staff. Wonderful group of teens and families. But you can see from Levi’s posts on the Roundtable that it is a large church with many inherent obstacles and challenges to authentic communal Christian living. My wife and I visited down here (Brunswick, GA) basically to get the DS off my back. He was particularly persistent about this one church. Before we even made it to the hotel the night after our visit with the church people, we both knew we should pray about it. That was early May. Now I’m in my fourth week as pastor. We’re doing some exciting things over the next few weeks. Exciting meaning not flashy and entertaining, but rather of the generous orthodoxy sort of thing. I feel I can breathe and that God is truly in this. I’ve got about a 5-page document given to the Board and church that outlines what we’re doing. It’s been received unanimously (at least to my face!).
In a nutshell that’s how I got to where I am.
Shalom–
Brian
December 29, 2008 at 9:40 am
akvzwbbkohumqegswell, hi admin adn people nice forum indeed. how’s life? hope it’s introduce branch