From David Guzik Commentary on Romans 8:30... c. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son: The eternal chain of Gods working is seen in the connection between foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. God didnt begin a work in the Romans simply to abandon them in the midst of their present suffering. i. Paul is saying that God is the author of our salvation, and that from beginning to end. We are not to think that God can take action only when we graciously give him permission. (Morris) ii. Of course I believe in predestination, since its plainly taught in the Scriptures. The doctrine could be assumed, even if the word was never explicitly used. Its a thrilling truth that doesnt upset me at all. The fact that He chose me and began a good work in me proves that Hell continue to perform it. He wouldnt bring me this far and then dump me. (Smith) d. To be conformed to the image of His Son: However, our participation in this eternal plan is essential, reflected in its goal: that we might be conformed to the image of His Son; and this is a process that God does with our cooperation, not something He just does to us. e. That He might be the firstborn among many brethren: This is the reason for Gods plan. He adopts us into His family (Romans 8:15) for the purpose of making us like Jesus Christ, similar to Him in the perfection of His humanity. D. The triumphant victory of the life in the Spirit. 1. (31) Paul begins his conclusion to this section: If God be for us, who can be against us? What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? a. If God is for us, who can be against us? If all we had were the first few chapters of the Book of Romans, some might believe that God was against us. Now that Paul has shown the lengths that God went to save man from His wrath and equip him for victory over sin and death, who can doubt that God is for us? i. Our weak hearts, prone to legalism and unbelief, receive these words with great difficulty: God is for us . . .They have failed Him; but He is for them. They are ignorant; but He is for them. They have not yet brought forth much fruit; but He is for them. (Newell) ii. Most all men say or think that God is for them - terrorists commit horrible crimes thinking that God is for them. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit guards this statement with an if, so we may know that just because a man thinks God is with him does not make it so. God is only for us if we are reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. b. Who can be against us? Likewise, despite the suffering Christians face, if God is for them, what does it matter if others are against them? One person plus God makes an unconquerable majority.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 11:02:05 +0000
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