Romans 8: 29-30
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
From the above verses we see:
- That God foreknew the faithful, because he knew who would believe him.
- Because he knew who would believe him, those he predestined to become like Jesus.
- Because God knew who would believe him, he called them.
But it always comes back to believing God. God knows in advance who will believe. But they can only believe if they know what to believe. If people don’t believe God, they cannot be saved. So preaching is vitally important. Paul says in Romans 10:13-15:
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
And Hebrews 11:6:
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
We have an important responsibility and privilege to be workers with God in this crucial work. 1 Cor 1:21:
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
Peter says in 1 Peter 2:9:
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
The Great Commission
It is vital to preach – it is our Lord’s command to us, Mark 16:15-16:
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
To summarise – God knows in advance who will be faithful, and so they are called, predestined and justified. But preaching is a vital step in the calling process.
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