THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION -- Tomorrow:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." (Romans 8:28-34, NKJV)
Devotion 23 of 33
DO NOT DRAW FINE LINES
"Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called,and whom He called, them He also justified . . . "
Some have drawn fine theological lines that allow for the formation of a highly systematic theology. They conclude that because men are "dead in trespasses and sins," they cannot respond to God. They must first be awakened from the "sleep of death." While there is a sense in which this is absolutely true, that is not the manner in which calling is presented in Scripture. That is, this not the reasoning or declaration of the Holy Spirit. The cause of our salvation is so presented that we may conclude in faith, "all things are of God" (2 Cor 5:18), and "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever" (Rom 11:36).
You were called by God because He foreknew you and predestinated you to be conformed to the image of His Son. That is how you are to reason on the matter. That way of thinking will produce an abundance of thanksgiving and propel you into hearty labor for His great name. If, of course, who are not in Christ Jesus, or do not know whether you are or not, these words are meaningless. That is because they are not intended for such people.
No wonder the saints of God are referred to as "THE called" (Rom 1:6; 8:28). No wonder they are admonished to "see" their "calling" (1 Cor 1:26). We have been "CALLED" into Christ's fellowship (1 Cor 1:9), "to peace" (1 Cor 7:15), and "into the grace of Christ" (Gal 1:6). Believers have been "CALLED" into liberty (Gal 5:13), God's "kingdom and glory" (1 Thess 2:12), and "unto holiness" (1 Thess 4:7).
JUSTIFICATION
" . . . and whom He called, them He also justified . . . " The text does not say that justification is offered to everyone that is called, but that the ones He calls are "ALSO justified." That tells us He is not speaking of the general call that goes out to the whole world. These are those who were EFFECTIVELY drawn to Christ by God, and whom Jesus did not cast away (John 6:44). This is admittedly a high view, but faith needs to hear it. Jesus said, "All that the Father giveth me SHALL come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).
These are the people who are "justified" – those effectively called. Justification is complete acquittal from sin, and the imputation of God's righteousness. From the underside, it is the complete acquittal from all guilt. As it is written, "And by Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:39). From the top side, justification is being "made the righteousness of God in Him [Christ]" (2 Cor 5:21). Justification involves the complete removal of the curse brought on by sin. It also involves the impartation of the Divine nature (2 Pet 1:4).
And to whom is this singular blessing given? It is for those whom "He also called!" The invitation of the Gospel, then, is necessarily joined to "justification," or being "made righteous" (Rom 5:19). This involves reconciliation to God (Col 1:21), deliverance from indebtedness to the flesh (Rom 8:12), and liberation from the defiled conscience (Heb 9:14). It includes peace with God (Rom 5:1), fellowship with Christ (1 Cor 1:9), and access to the Father and His grace (Rom 5:2; Eph 3:12).
God Himself justifies: "HE also justified." It is not the result of human ingenuity or mere conformity to a code. It necessarily follows the call of God: "whom HE called, them HE also justified."
THE ASSOCIATION WITH OUR TEXT
We cannot allow our minds to drift away from the subject at hand: suffering with Christ (8:17). We are suffering together with the "whole creation." Christians, particularly those who know very little about the magnitude and glory of their salvation, will be tempted to recoil from suffering. They may even consider modifying their commitment to Christ, or no longer confessing Him before men, in order to avoid suffering.
The reasoning of our text is this: "If you are tempted to despair because of suffering, consider what marvelous benefits have come to you because you were sensitive to the call of God! If such blessings followed your calling, what will attend your justification? Even though the world is against you, all of heaven is for you. Do not draw back from suffering, it is the appointed means of coming into an eternal reign!"
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that this world is not the only world.