It could be said that some of the biggest peaks in the Bible are contained in Romans 8. The chapter begins with the most comforting statement a Christian can read, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (8:1). But for the purpose of this series on the doctrine of unconditional election Romans 8 provides us with what is often referred to as the golden chain of redemption.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 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. (Romans 8:28-30)First we must see the sovereignty of God over this entire argument. The reason Paul gives us this "golden chain" is to support "all things work together for good" which is reminiscent of Ephesians 1:11. You might say that God is responding to faith here. It says that all things work together for good for those who love God. But Paul continues to explain that the people who love God have been "called according to his purpose." What does that look like? Well let's see how else Paul describes these people.
Foreknown- It is common for non-Calvinists to use Paul's words "those whom He foreknew..." to modify everything else in the passage. However, the term used in this way is actually referring to election. It would take a much longer post to give a full discussion but consider 1 Peter 1:20 where Christ is called "foreknown." Does that merely mean that God knew about Christ? Or Romans 11:2 where it is said that God has not rejected His people "whom he foreknew." Is this on the basis of knowing facts? Or people?
Predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son- I have read people saying that this is not a comprehensive description of salvation because it does not mention sanctification. However, this link of the chain clearly refers to the process by which God makes us like Christ. Those whom God foreknew (read foreloved) He predestined to be sanctified.
(Side Note) "in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers" This phrase doesn't really make sense if there is the possibility that no one would make the choice to receive Christ.
Called- We have already seen that these are called "according to His purpose" and now it is placed within the chain. This must refer to more to more than the general call of the gospel unless we believe that everyone will be saved. This "call" is the effectual call when God regenerates the elect person and brings them to saving faith through the witness of the gospel message.
Justified- Again, the connection between calling and justification makes it difficult to say that God isn't targeting a specific people with His saving grace. Those whom God foreknew, predestined, and called are then justified and there is no condemnation for them.
Glorified- We haven't done an entire post on glorification but in this context it shows that God brings His people to the end of the journey. There is no losing of one's salvation after justification. God preserves and causes to persevere those who are in Christ. He will lose none of them.
I hope this is helpful.
Grace and Peace,
Stephen
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