• 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. (29) 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. (30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul and the verses we study today are both pastoral and practical to explain to the early Christians in that ancient time that God’s eternal purpose is not ultimately about us but to glorify His Son, -so this purpose cannot fail. God knew; He predestined; He called, justified and glorified those He loves in His electing purpose. God’s knowledge is not that of a spectator – He ordains election. To predestine means God determined in advance to save these people and conform them to the image of His Son so Christ would have supremacy over many brethren. It is essential to see salvation is first to last TOTALLY of the Lord, not dependent on the will of man as that would make men sovereign. Apart from God’s initiative none would seek Him because of the Fall.

Predestination is God’s purpose and plan to rule the universe as He determines. In the New Testament to be called is always about God’s effectual call which will always be accomplished. This call comes with power so the faithful come from spiritual death to life – the response depends on those God predestined to salvation. To justify means to declare righteous. Our faith does not merit justification but is the channel through which grace is received resulting in regeneration and the elect will inevitably grow in sanctification. Their salvation is secure as God will complete it because God has predestined it according to His purpose. God will complete the salvation of the elect because Christ will be glorified by glorifying them. Glorification is in the future but Paul speaks of it as in the past because it is certain to take place.

To be called in our verses is not the mere external call of the Bible. Paul is speaking of a call which is peculiar to those who are finally saved. Election, calling, justification and salvation are united; if we are called by God according to His purpose, nothing can prevent our final salvation.