Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son… The apostle is not here describing a chain of causes and effects, but simply showing the method in which God works; the order in which the several branches of salvation constantly follow each other. This will be clear if we survey the work of God in the salvation of men — I. FORWARD. 1. God foreknew all who would believe — i.e., speaking after the manner of men, for properly there is neither fore or after knowledge in God. All time, or rather all eternity, is present to Him at once. But we must not think that things are because He knows them, any more than the sun shines because I see it. Men are as free in believing or not believing as if God did not know it at all. 2. Whom God foreknew He "predestinated," etc. — i.e. God decrees from everlasting that all who believe in the Son of His love shall be conformed to His image. Accordingly all who believe in Christ receive "the end of their faith, the salvation of their souls," and this in virtue of the unchangeable decree, "He that believeth shall be saved," etc. 3. Whom He predestinated He also called — outwardly by His Word, inwardly by His Spirit. 4. Whom He called He justified — i.e., here, made just. He executed the decree, "conforming them to the image of His Son," or sanctified them. 5. Whom He justified He glorified. "Having made them meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints," He "gives them the kingdom prepared for them." II. BACKWARD. 1. Take your stand with "the multitude which no man can number," and you will find none who was not sanctified before he was glorified. 2. Take a view of the sanctified on earth and you will find all were first called. 3. Who are they that are thus called but those whom God had predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ, "for God calls none, but according to the counsel of His will." 4. All God predestinated He foreknew. He saw them as believers, and as such predestinated them to salvation according to the eternal decree. "He that believeth shall be saved." Conclusion: God sees and knows from everlasting to everlasting through one eternal now. Yet in condescension to our weakness He speaks after the manner of men of His purpose, counsel, plan, foreknowledge. (John Wesley, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. |
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