Calvin (11/22/01-11/24/01)

8:28

From all he has said so far, Paul concludes that the troubles of life are a help toward our salvation, rather than a hindrance. God may seem not to hear our prayers, and for a time things may continue unchanged, yet we can remain assured that He is working matters to our good, and in this lies the difference between the reprobate and the saved. For the saint, it will be shown true that even his sins will be turned to his own good by our sovereign God, but that is not properly part of the passage we view here. Here, the view is to those adverse circumstances that the world considers to be evils. These, we will also find in the course of time were actually working good for us. All of true religion rests on the base of the love of God, without which righteousness cannot be practiced. Paul quickly adds a reminder that we were called by God for His purposes. By this, he protects our minds from thinking that there is yet some work in ourselves by which we have derived this benefit from God. No! The basis of our salvation lies not in ourselves, but in God's adoption of us. Everything that has happened to us came by His hand to work that salvation that we rejoice in now and forevermore. (Gal 4:9 - Now that you have come to know God - more importantly, to be known by Him - how can you even consider returning to your old ways? How can you think of allowing yourselves to be enslaved by such fleshly acts again?) [Calvin takes this as an indication that God made the first move, which, while true, I don't see in that verse.] It is certain that only in those who love God will afflictions serve to advance salvation, but at the same time, we must remember what John taught, that our love for Him came only in response to His love for us, which He expressed to us when we were still His enemies. Our being called pertains to more than our election, pointing out that all that has transpired in the elect is so fully opposite of the course of human pursuits. It was for His purpose. The reason of our election can be found nowhere else but in Him; in His will, which so radically contrasts our own attempts at righteousness. Footnote: Some early fathers of the church took this verse to refer to the purposes of those who love God, versus the purposes of the God they love, but this seems hard to fit into the context of the letter, and has been rejected by most today. For Paul, the called are invariably those who have responded to God's call with obedience. Our salvation depends on our election by that very same God who has sent the afflictions we face. These, He has appointed to conform us to Christ, forming an unbreakable link between our carrying of our cross and our salvation.

8:29

There is no cause for us to be grieved by our afflictions, since they are so designed as to conform us to His image. To reject such afflictions is to reject our election, to reject that life which has been given us in the Lord. If we are unwilling to bear His image, we show ourselves unwilling to be joined with Him in eternal glory. Some have attempted to make of God's foreknowledge no more than a preconception of whose actions would show themselves meritorious of His adoption. But no such thing is declared. Rather, Paul and Peter concur in their testimony that it is strictly by God's own counsel that we are elected. His foreknowledge of our election has naught to do with our actions, and solely to do with His own, for He it is who marked us out for adoption long before we were even born. Footnote: Great debate surrounds the meaning of foreknowledge. Some early fathers indeed took the view of prescience, simply knowing who would obey the gospel upon hearing it. The word is not widely used in Scripture, and in some of those few instances, the idea of prescience is clearly the meaning. (Ac 26:5 - They have previously known about me for quite some time, and could testify, were they willing, that I was of the strictest of the Pharisees. 2Pe 3:17 - You, having this foreknowledge, ought to be on guard so as not to be caught up in the errors of these teachers of distortion, and fall from your own steadfastness.) Other places, it clearly speaks of a matter more akin to being foreordained. (Ro 11:2 - God has not rejected His chosen people, those He foreordained as His own. 1Pe 1:20 - Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world, yet in these last times, He has appeared for Your sake. Ac 2:23 - Christ was delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God. 1Pe 1:2 - You were chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctification of the Spirit, so as to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His atoning blood. The fullness of grace and peace be yours.) In these places, the concept of foreordination is clearly in view. Note in that last that they were first chosen so as to be empowered to obey. Their election did not come because of their obedience. The current context appears to clearly indicate that it is this prior approval or prior selection that is in view. The predestination in this passage applies strictly to our conformance to Christ's image. Paul's purpose is to firmly establish in our minds that the adoption we enjoy and the trials that we endure are both by the decree and the determination of one and the same God. These are inseparable decrees, for Christ is to be our example, upon whose life and character we model our own. He is the firstborn of God. What He was willing to suffer we, as His younger siblings, ought also to be willing to undergo. Our Father, who has adopted us so graciously into His family, has willed that we so be conformed to the ways of His Son. Christ is the head. He will ever excel His brothers in honor, but He will also ever include all His siblings in one brotherhood.

8:30

Furthering his connection of our suffering with our salvation, Paul shows an ascending sequence of connectivity, making that conclusion most unavoidable. Again, the predestination spoken of here is not a matter of election, but of God's decrees, already determined before ever we arrived. He as already decreed that the cross is to be carried by all of His children. They have been called, His decrees for them have been made known to them that they might walk in accord with His purpose in all humility. Ours is to humbly submit to all that He decrees for us, which He in no wise hides from us. What may not be revealed in outward preaching, He makes known to us by the counsel of His Spirit. That our miseries are not a curse should be evident by their connection to our justification, to our reconciliation with God, for what happier state could we know than that reconciliation? Though currently pressed down, we will be glorified. In the eternal scale we will find we have suffered no loss. Knowing that He whose image we bear has already been glorified, the hope of glory in us is so strong as to be compared to having that glory already in possession. So sure is our future hope. Our glory no more decays under present trials and humiliations than did Christ's own glory. It may be deformed or distorted by the sight of this world, but before God, it shines in continued perfection. Footnote: Some view the past tense of the acts declared in this verse as indicating that these things are already accomplished in that God has already decreed them, and the outcome is certain.

8:31

It is natural to us to think only of God's wrath when adversities come, to feel only His vengeance. But Paul declares a deeper and more significant reality to the situation: God is for us. He loves us. And that love, we should know beyond doubt, for it is our shield against these battles. Opposition will certainly come to the Christian, but the victory is already promised. God's favor alone suffices to give us such confidence of our victory. All our preparations, if He be excluded, provide no confidence. (Ps 23:4 - Even when walking through valleys deep in the shadows of death, I fear no evil, because You are with me, comforting me. Ps 56:11 - I have put my trust in God, and so I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Ps 3:6 - I will not fear even ten thousand who have set themselves against me.) Nothing can resist His arm, so there can be no cause for fear when we know His defense. "The faithful are doubtless often shaken but are never utterly cast down." Rely on the testimony of the Spirit, rather than outward things.

8:32

Knowing the Father's love for us is crucial, and to persuade us of His love, Paul sets forth the greatest argument for this truth: God did not even spare His own Son on your behalf. The assurance we gain from this understanding lies in recognizing that He who already gave His greatest possession for our benefit will doubtless spare no other gift that would also benefit us. Footnote: By this statement, Paul eliminates every possibility of our merit. All things come as a gift of God. If all things are His gracious gift, nothing is left for our acts to have deserved. In Christ, the 'pledge of God's infinite love towards us,' we ought to see the vast richness of God's treasures given to us. "They who possess Him may not want anything necessary for their perfect felicity."

8:33

Footnote: Some among the early fathers saw this and the following verse as being stated as questions, rather than answers. Thus: Who brings charge? God who justifies? Who condemns? Christ who died, was raised, and now intercedes for us? Confidence in God's kindness towards us is the foundation for all our confidence, our patience in adversity. Since that confidence in Him is confidence in our salvation as well, this is where we are first attacked. The first attack comes in accusations that would seek to convince us against our status as saved. Against this attack, we come with the fact that God is the only judge before whom we must stand, and He it is who so loves us. It seems rather like the two verses have been cross-coupled, for where charges are brought, Christ is our defending counsel; and where condemnation is declared, God alone is judge, and He has absolved us of guilt. However, to more fully arm the Christian, Paul reverses the comparisons declaring that we are not even subject to accusation because God has already justified and absolved us. The judge Himself has announced our innocence already, the path to the courtroom is closed before even the enemy begins. Even so, any concerns over our condemnation are cast aside by the recognition that Christ has already done all that was necessary to repay our crimes. He has so interceded on our behalf that all our sins have been obliterated in the sight of God. In all this, God prepares us in advance for any terrors of battle that will come. God has justified us. He has absolved us already of all guilt. The devil may accuse, our own conscience may accuse, looking to the Law of God. But the judge has already pronounced judgment upon us, and His verdict is 'absolved.' Knowing this, nothing remains that can possibly shake our salvation, no height nor depth… Election is not some buried secret of God, made known to us only through revelation. No, it is a feeling 'common to all the godly.' We ought to be encouraged by passages such as this to examine our calling, so as to be assured in all our thoughts and feelings that we are indeed children of God.

8:34

As the judge's absolution precludes any charges being brought, so Christ's paying of the penalty of Law precludes any further action being taken against us, all cause for condemnation by the Law having been eliminated by His work. "He then who seeks hereafter to condemn us, must bring back Christ Himself to death again." But He has conquered death. Christ is at God's right hand, holding dominion over all of heaven and earth. (Eph 1:20-21 - Christ was raised from death and seated at His right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, both in this present age and in that which is to come.) He it is who intercedes for us, and the one who would bring charges must not only reverse His victory over death, but also contend with His power, a power unequaled, in His supreme authority. "Our faith is nothing, except we feel assured that Christ is ours, and that the Father is in Him propitious to us." Knowing His supreme power, we could easily come to be terrified of Him, except we are made to know that even in His power, He stands as our Mediator. He invites us to come to Him, and works always to intercede with the Father on our behalf. This intercession is not the humbled supplication that we might make before a great king or leader, but rather the very facts of His death and resurrection, placed in His Person ever before the sight of God, are a constant and living intercession for us.

8:35

Footnote: The word separate speaks of divorce. (Mt 19:6 - What God has joined together, let no man separate. 1Co 7:20 - Let each man remain in the condition in which he was called, whether slave or free, circumcised or not. 1Co 7:11b - The husband should not send his wife away. 1Co 7:15 - If the nonbeliever leaves, let him depart. In such cases, the believer is not bound, for God calls us to peace.) "He who is persuaded of God's kindness towards him, is able to stand firm in the heaviest afflictions." His love for us ought to be so certainly known in our hearts as to shine brightly even in the darkest trials. "God, though He chastises us, yet never forgets His mercy." In our trials, we are both reminded of what we have deserved in ourselves, and of the salvation He has provided us as we repent. It is the love of Christ in that in Christ, the love of the Father was made known to us. In Christ's favor toward us, we ought to see the face of the Father at peace. "When God is propitious, nothing can be adverse to us." Footnote: Early fathers often considered that this passage speaks not of God's love for us, but of our love for Him. Yet, the totality of the passage makes clear that it is God's love for us that is in view. To the argument that cannot see how one might think our trials would sever God's love for us, comes the answer that the separation is in our participation in the effects of His love, not in His love itself. Paul uses the masculine "who" rather than the neuter "what" to describe these potential adversaries, even though they are to a one inanimate. This he does so as to enforce on our mind the understanding that many champions join us in the battle against temptation. In tribulation is wrapped up the thought of every from of trouble and evil. Distress speaks to the inward feelings that weaken us. Persecution is a matter of violence done to us by the ungodly. (2Co 4:8-9 - We are afflicted, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.) In saying this, does Paul contradict what he declares here? No. The current passage does not claim for us an exemption from adversity, but only guarantees a deliverance from them.

8:36

It is no new thing for God's people to be ever in the presence of the threat of death. It is almost a norm, if we accept the witness of Scripture. The Psalm quoted here likely refers to the persecutions that were suffered under Antiochus, persecutions undertaken for no reason other than the hatred of true religion. Yet, the testimony is that they did not abandon the truth of God, even though death seemed a distinct possibility for their stand each and every day. (Ge 18:23 - Will You take away the righteous with the wicked? 2Th 1:6 - It is just for God to afflict those who afflict you. 1Th 1:9 - They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence and glory of the Lord. Mt 5:10 - Blessed are those persecuted for the sake of righteousness. They will possess the kingdom of heaven.) Here is assurance for us, if indeed we follow Him.

8:37

Footnote: Whereas we might look at this overwhelming victory as a sign of great power given to us, it is also possible that the victory lies elsewhere. In our sufferings, we actually suffer no loss, but only have the dross burned off, so as to shine in purity. Additionally, we come away from these conflicts with great riches of righteousness and holiness. (Heb 12:10-11 - He disciplines us for our good, such that we share His holiness. These disciplines hurt for the moment, but their training yields righteousness.) Ultimately, our victory lies in the resurrection glory promised us in Christ, which glory is great beyond comparison to these afflictions. Even when it seems that a believer has succumbed to his trials, it is only a humbling, and not his destruction. Even this has come from the Lord so that they may attain victory. The love of God and Christ towards us 'will always draw us from the gates of hell into the light of life,' so long as our hearts are assured of this truth. Footnote: That love is in the aorist tense. It is an eternal love, true now, and before, and forever. That love is present even in our greatest trials, to strengthen our patience, give us courage, and moderate our sufferings. (1Pe 5:10 - After you have suffered for a brief time, God - the gracious God who called you in Christ to share in His eternal glory - will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.)

8:38

Footnote: Neither the death threats of our persecutors, nor the life they may promise us if we will deny God. This is the life or death of the verse. So great is this assurance of the final outcome, that even angels are declared incapable of changing the outcome. This is not said as though the angels actually would attempt such a thing, which would be an impossibility. (Heb 1:14 - These ministering spirits are sent out to serve those who inherit salvation.) Rather, Paul stresses the assurance that much more, indicating that even were the most unthinkable of events to occur, power beyond our imagining brought to bear against us, that victory would remain a certainty. (Gal 1:8 - Even if an angel were to come to you with a different gospel, may that one be accursed.) The great worth of God is seen in this passage, in that even such statements of dishonor against His angels are acceptable in declaring His truth. Principalities and powers are but other, grander words, for angels. Footnote: Paul uses these terms for such angelic powers, whether good or evil, so it is likely here that they refer more to rank than inclination. (Eph 1:21 - Christ is far greater than all rule, authority, power, and dominion throughout all the ages. Col 1:16 - By Him were created all things in heaven and earth, seen or unseen. Even all the thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities were created by and for Him. Eph 6:12 - Our struggle is not a matter of flesh and blood, but a matter of rulers and powers in heavenly places; spiritual forces of wickedness and darkness. Col 2:15 - When He had disarmed these rulers and authorities, He made public display of them over whom He had triumphed.) No matter how long such trials may continue to be our lot, they cannot succeed in separating us from Him, from His love for us. Nothing we suffer, nor anything we dread may come can succeed in taking from us our adoption, our inheritance. Here, we see the nail in the coffin of those who preach that we cannot be certain of our salvation. Indeed, He who has begun the good work in us will carry it out until the day of the Lord. Footnote: Height and depth may be prosperity and adversity, or they may be honor and disgrace. "Here is the Christian, all weakness in himself, despised and trampled under foot by the world, triumphing over all existing, and all possible, and even impossible evils and opposition, having only this as his stay and support - that the God who has loved him, will never cease to love, keep, and defend him."

8:39

The fountain of love that flows from the Father, flows to us from Christ. He is the bond of that love to us, and in that bond we can be assured of God's unfailing kindness towards us.

 

 

 

Matthew Henry (11/25/01-11/26/01)

8:28

It is true that believers are often found to be surrounded by a multitude of afflictions, yet even in this the Spirit's intercession is effectual. Even then, it will be found that all things were working for their good. Here, then, we find a description of the character of such as lay hold of this great promise. All of their affections are upon God, finding in Him their 'chief good and highest end.' Loving Him, they make the best of all He may do. They are also called for an eternal purpose, not because of their own merit, but because of God's own purpose. All the providences of God serve good purpose in such a one. (Ps 57:2b - God accomplishes all things for me. 2Ch 32:31 - Even as to how he dealt with Babylon's envoys, God left him to himself, so as to test him, and know his heart.) Sin is not God's working, yet in permitting our sinful ways to exist, He still works to make them serve a good end. "That is good for them which does their souls good." Every providence of God works to the soul's good. They work together, in synergy, all of Providence working in harmony for a united purpose. (Ecc 7:14 - Be happy when you prosper, but when adversity comes, remember this: God made both the prosperity and the trial so that you cannot be certain what will follow next.) It is not the providences, but God's working in them that assures us that good will come of it. Because it is God's word, (and our experience confirms it,) we know with certainty that this is the case.

8:29

We have looked long at the many pieces that make up the believer's happiness. Now, the view switches to the foundation of the believer's assurance, the covenant that God has established with them in Christ Jesus, that He might have a remnant seed to prosper. At the base of this foundation is predestination. The foreknowledge of God does not lie in His knowing in advance who will keep themselves holy, and so choosing them. Rather, it is one and the same thing as His everlasting love, with His owning of His chosen ones. (Jer 31:3 - The LORD appeared to him, saying "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness." Ps 1:6a - The LORD knows the way of the righteous. Jn 10:14 - I am the good shepherd; I know My own, and they know Me. 2Ti 2:19 - The firm foundation of God stands, sealed by the words, "The Lord knows those who are His. Let all who name His name abstain from wickedness." Ro 11:2 - God has not rejected His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not recall God's answer when Elijah pled with Him against Israel? 1Pe 1:2 - We are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the Spirit's sanctifying work, for obedience to Jesus Christ, sprinkled by His blood, having grace and peace in the fullest. 1Pe 1:20 - Christ was foreknown before the world was made, and has now appeared in this time for your sake. Ex 33:12 - Moses complained that He had been commanded to bring up God's people, but no assistant had been named to aid him. He notes that God had said, "I have known you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.") The implication is that this foreknowledge speaks of His favor and affection towards us. In His affection for us, He predestinated us to be conformed to Christ. Why? Because holiness is our conformity to Christ, for He is the image of our Father. Thus is God's love restored to us, and His likeness renewed in us. This conformity we cannot work for ourselves. We only give ourselves to Christ in that God has given us to Him, and having done so, He has predetermined that we will be conformed to His image. In this conformity we find our election affirmed. (2Th 2:13 - We will ever thank God for you, because He chose you from the beginning to be saved through the Spirit's sanctification and through faith in the truth.) Note that the primary purpose of our salvation is the glorification of Christ Jesus. It is His honor that is increased by our great good fortune in being among the elect. Were salvation left to the will of man, there would be no assurance that Christ would have many brethren, that He would have an army to lead, a people to be the Prince of. But, God's word is certain. He has decreed from before all ages a number who will be so sanctified, so conformed to their Leader's image, and no work of darkness can prevent His word accomplishing its purposes.

8:30

Those who are of that number, whose foundation is in predestination, are also called with an effectual calling. (Mt 22:14 - Many are called, but few chosen. Mt 20:16 - So shall the last be first, and the first last.) That call is effectual which causes us to come in answer, which we do as the Spirit draws us, bringing conviction of sins, and enlightening our understanding of the Gospel. So He bows our will, persuading us to embrace Christ our Savior. We are called from our self-centered ways to put our attention on God, on Christ, on heaven, on holiness. "We are called to that to which we were chosen." If we would be certain of our election, we must make certain our calling. (2Pe 1:10 - Therefore, be diligent to make certain of His calling and choosing you; practice these things, and you will not stumble.) The next layer of our foundation is our justification. If we have been effectually called, we have also been absolved of the guilt which our conviction laid upon us. Through Christ Jesus, we have been declared righteous. No longer criminals, we are loved as friends. This justification does not come apart from the effectual call. The top layer of our foundation is glorification. Corruption and guilt having been removed from us, nothing remains to hinder us from attaining to the glory He has promised. Note that this is declared as accomplished fact. It is that certain. This glory has been the purpose of God from eternity, for nothing else could fulfill the terms of His covenant with His people. If we are chosen, it is for salvation. If we are called, it is to His kingdom. If we are reborn, it is to inherit the incorruptible. If we are afflicted, it is to increase our eternal glory. All of this is the work of God. Our wills and powers are so weak and untrustworthy that had God left any part of this work to depend on us, the whole would doubtless shake and fall. That He has done it all is a great assurance, a firm foundation indeed on which to build our faith. "He that hath laid the foundation will build upon it…and it will be our eternal work to cry, 'Grace!'"

8:31

Having declared to us the mysteries of God's love, Paul moves to a conclusion. Yet even he is overcome by the wonder of these things. "The more we know of other things the less we wonder at them; but the further we are led into an acquaintance with the gospel mysteries the more we are affected with the admiration of them." Here, we are witness to one of Paul's greatest heights of holy expression. God is for us in more than the fact that He is not against us. He is actively for us, engaged on our behalf. As this is so, there is nothing that either devil or man can do that could prevail against us and shatter our happiness in God.

8:32

With God as our source, our provider, who can hope to cut off the fountain of our supply? His love for us has been made certain to us, in that He did not withhold His own son. As with Abraham's faith before God, so God declares His faithfulness before us. (Ge 22:12 - He said, "Don't lay hand on the child, do him no harm; for I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld even your only son from Me.") He has given us Christ, and with Christ, He also gives us all things that are needful. What He will not give, we ought not desire. (Ps 34:10 - Lions may lack and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD will not lack any good thing.) If He gave so much to us when we were enemies, how can we think He would do less now that we are His friends, His children? Here is faith's answer to fears. He will not suffer us to want all that is needful while we wait to come of age for our inheritance.

8:33

When men attempt to justify themselves, all that is charged against them may stand nonetheless. But when it is God who justifies, the Judge Himself, whose word is truth, that will overthrow every charge. Knowing this, we can challenge our accusers to come to court with us.

8:34

Even though their charge against us must fail, yet they may indeed come to court against us, with words of condemnation. Yet, we plead our interest in Christ, our relationship to Him, and we are secure against all such condemnations. His death has paid our debt. His resurrection assures all that His sacrifice was accepted, proof that He was acquitted. Not only acquitted, He has found His place at God's right hand, the seat of power. You would condemn us? Our friend is our judge. He is also our counselor, our attorney. If we take these charges as those brought by man, we find that they are of no consequence, for what is man's court, when we stand before the Judge? (1Co 4:3-4 - It is a minor thing to me that you, or any other human court, might examine me. I don't even bother with self-examination, for I know of nothing against myself. But it is not this lack of knowing by which I am acquitted. I am acquitted by my true examiner, by the Lord, Himself.)

8:35

Our fears often cause us great disturbance, threatening our hold on Christ by their discouragements. But all those fears are silenced by the knowledge that nothing, nothing, NOTHING can separate us from His love. If God will not dissolve His own love for us, but will go so far as to give His Son to save us, can we think of anything that would dissolve His love? The worst that the world can do is laid before us; are we surrounded by trials? Are we so distressed that we cannot even find a place to look for relief in this world? Are we indeed persecuted by that very world, a world that hated Christ, and hates all that He loves? Do we suffer famine and nakedness, are we so stripped of all comforts, exposed to all perils, the very sword of the law at our throats? Even were all this our present case, yet God's love would stand firm.

8:36

Here, Ps 44:22 is quoted so that we might realize that it is no strange thing that we suffer so. The prophets and saints before us were given the same treatment. Just like us, they were ever expecting the fatal blow to fall. As then, so now. "There is still every day…one or other of the people of God bleeding and dying under the rage of persecuting enemies." Sheep are not killed as harmful pests, but because they are of use when dead. So, the Christian is slaughtered to please them, to feed their malice. (Ps 14:4 - The workers of wickedness, who eat My people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the LORD.) Yet even such extremities as this cannot sever the bond of love between Christ and us. Such treatment as this might cause other friends to withdraw from us, but not our Savior. Even when Paul was brought before Nero, when all his earthly friends had left Him, yet the Lord stood fast by him. (2Ti 4:16-17 - All deserted me when I gave my defense, but I will not hold a grudge against them. The Lord, He stood by me, strengthening me such that all the Gentiles might hear the gospel proclaimed in full. He delivered me out of the lion's mouth.) Whatever else they may do, they cannot rob us of Christ's love, nor block Him from visiting us, so they cannot make us miserable. Knowing His love for us has not lessened, our love for Him remains strong as well. Though we may lose all on account of Him, yet our love for Him will never fade.

8:37

Even if killed, yet we conquer. Such is the way of Christ. "It is a surer and a nobler way of conquest by faith and patience than by fire and sword." (Rev 12:11 - They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony, not loving their own lives even to the point of death.) We not only conquer, we triumph. Our losses are but little, being no more than the dross. Our gains are great: glory, honor and peace; a righteousness that will not fade. Where our afflictions have abounded, His comforts have super-abounded. (2Co 1:5 - Just as His sufferings are ours in full, so also is His comfort ours in full.) This is the knowledge of the martyr. This is his secret. For he has become more than a conqueror when he can face the death of the flesh rejoicing, knowing that heaven awaits. It is solely the merit of His death that can bring us to face death so happily, so courageously. It is not in our own strength that we conquer, but in His grace. (Jn 16:33b - In the world you have trials, but take courage, for I have overcome the world.) "We have nothing to do but to pursue the victory."

8:38

We have a full and strong persuasion, upheld by all our experience of divine love. Fear of death, nor hope of life can dissuade us from that love. Neither good angels nor bad can do ought that will so separate us. (Eph 1:21 - He is far above all power and dominion both in this age, and in the coming age. Col 1:16 - For by Him were all things - the heavenly and the earthly, the seen and the unseen, thrones and dominions and authorities - created. They were created both by and for Him. Eph 6:12 - Our struggle is not with the fleshly, but against spiritual forces of wickedness in heaven, against powers and rulers. Col 2:15 - But He has disarmed these rulers and authorities, and made a display of them, for through Christ, He has triumphed over them.) Neither present trials, or fears of what may come will break that bond of love. It will survive through all times and on into eternity.

8:39

All the heights of prosperity will not cause us to forget our Love. The worst depths of disgrace will not convince us that His love is withdrawn. In short, there is nothing that can be named or even thought of that will separate us from His love. Only sin can cause such a break, and that breach Christ has healed. It is upon Him as our foundation that we can trust in God's love for us, and that we can dare to love God. (Zeph 3:17 - The LORD is in your midst, standing as a victorious warrior. He exults over you with joy, resting in His love, and rejoicing over you with great shouts of joy.) That joy is ours through Jesus Christ, who does not change, thus we know His joy and love for us also do not change.

 

 

Adam Clarke (11/27/01-11/28/01)

8:28

Those to whom this verse applies love God, and as such, live in obedience to Him. It is not a prediction of future outcome, but of present state: things work now for our good, as we love God now. Spirit and providence, afflictions and persecutions, all these are united in working for our present good. To claim our sins also work to our good is blasphemy. The promise is a present promise to those presently loving God, presently obeying Him, and so, presently free of sin. The call is our being made welcome by God, an invited guest at the feast of His covenant, invited to partake of that feast, and so ratify His covenant with us. (Ge 17:4 - My covenant is with you, and you will be father of many nations. Ge 18:18 - Abraham will become a great nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed.) All things will indeed work for our good, yet the promise remains dependant upon our present love of God. All who are in the Church are called, and there is no basis for the concept of 'effectual calling.' The qualifier of this verse is applied to the called, to define that subset of the called who are improving on that calling in their active love of God.

8:29

Our calling is indeed a strong argument for the good outcome of all things, which Paul proceeds to show us, by showing the steps surrounding that calling which God has established. He starts by showing us both the foundation and the conclusion of those steps, for the foundation is laid before the world itself was founded. He knew whom He had declared for this salvation before any work had begun on His scheme for that salvation. (Ro 11:2 - God has not rejected those He foreknew, consider His answer to Elijah when he thought all Israel lost. 2Ti 1:9 - He saved us, called us with a holy calling. This He did not in response to any work of our own, but solely according to His own eternal purpose and grace, that which He granted us in Christ from before the beginning.) That purpose and grace is our foundation, the first step toward salvation. In such contexts, the knowing entails a favoring of the one known, and so it is with us. He knew and favored the Gentiles before ever He began to execute his plans upon mankind. What He began in this foreknowledge, He designed us for from the start, He determined to bring about in us from the start, and so it is we are to consider ourselves predestinated. Having known from the start what His plans were for us, He designed us to fulfill that plan, to attain to salvation, to be conformed to the image of His son, and so to be joint-heirs with Him. Our calling stands connected both to foundation and goal. Our calling stands firmly on the foundation of His foreknowledge. The coming of the Gentiles into the Church of God is no accident, but has ever been part of the plan. (1Pe 1:2 - The choosing is in accord with God's foreknowledge, coming by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, so that we can obey Jesus Christ, and be cleansed by His blood, knowing grace and peace in full measure.) The call is connected to the goal by the rather simple fact that it is to attain to that goal that we are so called. (2Th 2:14 - It was for this you were called; to gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.) That glorification can only come as we are conformed to His image. All that is mentioned is for the purpose of attaining that end: His foreknowledge of us, our predestinated purpose, our calling, and our justification; all come to work in us His image, so that we may be glorified in Him. His human nature is the first-fruits. He was the first to be resurrected from death, and so, He is the first to be raised to eternal glory. The goal is that He have many brothers and sisters in this eternal state.

8:30

Those He had so predetermined to conform to Christ's image, He called. Both Gentile and Jew, for the Gentile was not called to replace the Jewish people, but to join them as God's people. Note that all these things are spoken of as accomplished fact. We are already called, justified, and glorified. In this, either Paul speaks of a work accomplished, or he speaks of that which is not yet, as though it were already. He has already pardoned the sins of all who turn to Him in true faith and repentance. Inasmuch as the Gentiles have been given a place among God's people, they have already been glorified. Consider how this glorification finds its basis in justification, and justification is but the foundation of our sanctification. Thus, if we would attain to glory, we must be not only justified, but also sanctified. Our salvation, then, is none of our own choosing, but solely a matter of God's gracious mercy, of His infinite and eternal designs for us. On the matter of glory: (Jn 11:4 - This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son may be glorified by it. Jn 12:23 - Jesus declared that the time had come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Jn 12:28 - "Father, glorify Your name." To which a heavenly voice answered, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." Jn 13:31-32 - When Judas departed, Jesus declared the time come for the Son of Man to be glorified, and that God is glorified in Him. Seeing as God is glorified in Him, it is clear that God will also glorify Him in Himself, and that most immediately. Jn 14:13 - Whatever you ask in My name I will do, so that my Father may be glorified in the Son. Jn 15:8 - My Father is glorified by your bearing much fruit, by your thus showing yourselves to be My disciples. Jn 21:19 - In saying these things, He declared by what form of death He would glorify God. Ac 3:13 - The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of all our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and disowned in Pilate's presence. Ro 11:13 - I am speaking to you Gentiles, for, since I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I thus magnify my ministry.) In none of these places is our eternal estate being considered. Rather, there as here, the reference is to the many gifts and privileges He has bestowed upon us here and now, not least of which is our justification. These promises are made not to specific persons, but to those persons of a specific character. (Ro 8:1 - There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Ro 8:13 - If you live according to the flesh, you must die. If you live by the Spirit, putting the deeds of the body to death, you will live. Ro 8:28 - All things work to good for those who love God.) Holiness is a necessary prerequisite of salvation. Only such as love God can reap any benefit from all His favors.

8:31

What comfort shall we find from what we have been told here? We have come to know that He has chosen us along with the Jews, that He has chosen us from the beginning. We have come to know His favor in conforming us to the image of His Son, in giving us faith, in bringing us into His eternal glory. "He who is infinitely wise has undertaken to direct us: He who is infinitely powerful has undertaken to protect us: He who is infinitely good has undertaken to save us." What can prevail against Him? Nothing!

8:32

If we have any doubt of His love towards us, we need look no further than Jesus. If God was willing to send His own Son to die in actual fact for us, is it likely He would refuse us our lesser requests? (Ge 22:16-18 - I have sworn by My own name that because you did not keep your only son from Me, I will greatly bless you. I will make your offspring more numerous than the stars or the sands of the sea. They shall possess the gates of their enemies, and in them all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me.) Will He not, then, provide for us that which He promised?

8:33

This, and the following two verses are more properly given as questions answered by questions. Who brings charges? God who justifies us? Who condemns? Christ who died for us? Who was raised to sit at God's right hand? He who intercedes for us? If neither God nor Christ will so come against us, there remains none who can. If God has justified us, He alone can bring charge, but He will not do so, for He has already forgiven us.

8:34

When Christ rose to the right hand of God, He exalted our human nature in doing so. From that position of authority, He now manages all the concerns of His kingdom and His Church.

8:35

In this verse, it is not a question of what might cause Christ to cease loving us, but what might turn our love from Him. All those things that Paul lists might well have an effect on our feelings, yet not a one of them could change Christ. This verse is a strong argument for perseverance, and against apostasy. No affliction which might make a man miserable will suffice to turn our love aside. No matter how our trials may hem us in, our eyes will remain on Him. Though our enemies pursue us so as to destroy us, yet our love will not fade. If all the necessities of life are taken from us: our food, our clothes; even then our love for Him will stand firm. Though our dangers be extreme and unrelenting, such that we have cause to be concerned for what may come; though our dangers come to the actual point of death, even with our dying breath we will love the One who has saved us.

8:36

Such trials are no more than we might expect, given the state of the world. And such things, the prophets have long said must come upon those who would follow God.

8:37

Paul continues in the same vein as the Psalmist continues. (Ps 44:17-18 - All of this has occurred, yet we have not forgotten You, nor dealt falsely with Your covenant. Our hearts have not turned from You, nor have our steps gone astray from Your ways.) With all these things come against us, we are yet faithful to our God, and to His covenant with us, and He is faithful to make us more than conquerors. He will give us "complete triumph over sin, and death, and hell, not leaving a single enemy unsubdued."

8:38

No fear or hope, no power of heaven or earth, no present or future suffering can turn aside our love for Him.

8:39

Nor can any person, thing, or event turn aside His love for us. This confidence is both bold and rational. The history of God's actions in preserving His Church ought to give sufficient proof that Paul's conclusions are sound. And what He does for His Church, He does for each individual member of that Church. "While the love of God is in his heart, and the work of God in his hand, he may be as fully persuaded as he is of his own being," that God's love will not break faith with him. It should be clear from this chapter that personal holiness is a necessity. We see our weakness in chapter 7, but here, we see that Christ came to destroy that devilish work that so weakens us. "No soul can be said to be saved by Jesus Christ who is not saved from its sins." It is not irrational creation that will be redeemed according to this chapter, but the Gentiles. However, this does not require that we believe the remainder of creation will not be redeemed. In fact many reasons seem to support their redemption. First, they never sinned against God, and so are not liable to just punishment, yet they suffer along with us. Since their involvement in our sufferings is neither through their own fault nor their own foolishness, God who is just must surely compensate them for their sufferings, which clearly does not occur here, so must occur in some other state. God, who is good, must have designed even these creatures for such happiness as they have power to experience, but they have not experienced that happiness since the fall of man. For man, the rational being, God has provided all that is necessary for their happiness, and left it to their own wills to choose whether they would be happy or not. Either way, His purpose is fulfilled in their actions, for any misery they suffer comes of their own refusal to accept happiness. For the non-rational, there is no such possibility of the will. The depravation of their happiness has come by man's actions. But God's purposes cannot be thwarted, so there must be a restoration to come that will return creation to its proper happiness. What remains to them in this life cannot be deemed sufficient compensation, for they were doubtless made to enjoy much greater life, free of excessive labor, free of death and disease and pain. Since they presently suffer such things, it is clear that God's purpose is not yet fulfilled in them. His goodness and His justice require that He make reparations, which not being forthcoming in this present life, must be expected in another condition, which we could reasonably conclude to be that state which includes our own redemption. Discussions regarding the nature and meaning of predestination have long wracked the Church, but that question has little to do with the present text. Much doctrine has been poorly conceived of based on misunderstandings of this book, either taking national thoughts and applying them to individuals, or taking accomplished facts and deriving from them eternal matters. What has been clearly seen in this letter is that both Jew and Gentile are under sin, and without any claim upon God's justice. Yet, God has freely revealed Himself to the Jews and, in the Gospel, has also called the Gentiles to salvation. Thus, verses 29 and 30 refer not to 'what [He] will do for some individuals, but what He has already done for nations.' That foreknowledge is no more and no less than God's love for the Gentiles, in which love, He determined long ago to join them to His chosen people. Abraham's call shows God's love for the Gentiles, for Abraham was yet a Gentile when He called. The next chapter focuses on proving that God is also God of the Gentiles. In His love for them, He had long since made out His plans to bring them into His Son's image, into His Church. With the coming of the revelation of Christ, they were included alongside the Jews in this foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification, in a word, sharing all the privileges that had been extended to God's people. It is not what we will or might become, it is what God has already made us: called, justified, and highly honored. Seeing in this passage a view of God's work in time gives us a fine illustration of His infinite mercy and wisdom. He is impartial in His love for all that He has created, hating none of the works of His hands, and not willing that any of those works should perish. As the Jews were blessed, so also the Gentiles. As the Jews, in rejecting those blessings, became reprobate and contemptible, so also the Gentile who continues in his sins. (Ro 11:20-22 - They were removed for their unbelief, whereas you stand by your faith. But don't allow that to make you prideful. Rather, let it be cause for concern, for if God wouldn't spare His natural and original chosen people, neither will He spare you. So we see both His kindness and His severity; severity toward those who fall, but kindness to those who continue in His kindness. So continue, or be cut off.) Here is a lesson for us. We who have been blessed with such a glorious salvation, given every needful help to enable us to work toward that salvation; how awful will it be if we then make all God's mercy toward us in vain? We ought to be jealously assuring that we never trifle with that salvation, not even for a moment. (Heb 2:3 - If we neglect our salvation, how shall we ever escape?) And what punishments must await those who do neglect His merciful efforts!

 

 

 

Barnes' Notes (11/29/01-11/30/01)

8:28

All occurs under His direction, and He has determined our salvation, and so appoints things, that they should all contribute to that end. Even the worst of our trials, the greatest of calamities which may befall us, are 'appointed for our welfare,' for such events break off our affections for this world, and build up our dependence on God. They work to build in us a humble, patient, and kind disposition, to create in us a true piety. (Ps 119:67 - Before I was afflicted, I strayed, but now I keep Your word. Ps 119:71 - It is good for me o have been afflicted, so that I learn Your laws. Jer 31:18-19 - Ephraim has been heard grieving. "You have chastised me. Like an untrained calf I was chastised. Now, bring me back. Restore me, for You are my God, my Lord. After I turned back, I repented. After I received instruction, I was ashamed and humiliated, because of what I had been in my youth." Heb 12:11 - All discipline is cause for sorrow when it is being suffered, but by it we are trained so as to yield the fruit of peace and righteousness.) The Christian is made better by his afflictions because he accepts them as they were intended, rather than complaining and rebelling against them. The sinner under the same afflictions will only harden his heart the more. Christians are called, invited by God to salvation, and enabled by God to find that call acceptable, so that the entirety of our salvation is still traced to Him. By declaring us the called, more is said than that He called us, for in this, Paul speaks of those who have accepted that call. (Mt 20:16b, Mt 22:14 - Many are called, but few chosen. Ro 1:6-7 - You are among the called of Jesus Christ, beloved of God, called as saints: grace and peace to you from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. 1Co 1:2 - Those in Corinth have been sanctified by Christ Jesus, they are called as saints. 1Co 1:24 - To all who are called, whether Jew or Greek, Christ is the power and wisdom of God. Rev 17:14 - Though they battle against the Lamb, He will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords, and King of kings. Those with Him are the called, the chosen, the faithful.) We are not saved by chance. God has ever had a plan, a purpose in mind for each of us. (Mt 12:4, Mk 2:26, Lk 6:4 - David entered God's house and ate the consecrated bread.) This is the same word here translated purpose. (Ro 9:11 - Though yet unborn, having no chance to do either good or bad, yet, in order that God's purpose, His choice, might stand - not because of their works, but because of His will, the older served the younger. Eph 1:11 - We have obtained an inheritance, because we were predestined to do so according to His purpose. For He works all things after the counsel of His own will. Eph 3:11 - His eternal purpose was carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2Ti 1:9 - He saved us, called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of His own purpose and grace, which He granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. Jer 51:29 - The land is shaken because the LORD's purpose against Babylon stands, to make it a desolate, uninhabited land.) His purpose in salvation is according to His own will (Eph 1:11). Over that purpose, we can have no control. It is apart from any merit on our part (2Ti 1:9). He has purposed to save us by His own grace. That purpose is eternal (Eph 3:11). That such a purpose has been His will toward us, that He has invited us to partake of His gracious offer, ought to excite unquenchable gratitude in us.

8:29

By foreknowledge, should we understand that He simply knew ahead of time who would become a Christian; or should we understand that He ordained it to be so, and created us accordingly? Clearly, the word is not applied to the whole of humanity, for not all are Christians, nor are all saved. Therefore, it must speak solely of the true Christian. Since it is God who foreknew, that knowledge was a certainty, with no possible contingency that could cause Him to be mistaken. Since His knowledge was certain, the event He foreknew must also have been certain, for one cannot know with certainty what remains contingent. Since no other means can be construed that would remove such contingencies from human actions, it must be that these things are a matter of divine decree, even though such is not explicitly stated here. The means by which He knew who would be saved is not stated here, only that such knowledge is in fact His. Apart from the Spirit's influence none would believe, so it should be clear that salvation comes not on account of our exercise of faith, but solely according to His purpose and plan. (Ro 1:4 - Christ was declared the Son of God with power by His resurrection. Ac 4:28 - [All were against Jesus] to do whatever Your hand and purpose predestined to occur. 1Co 2:7 - We speak of a mystery of God's wisdom, a hidden wisdom which He predestined before time to our glory.) Here we see that it is not some outward privilege that is ours in His purposes, but real conversion and piety. It was His purpose to save us, and conform us to the image of His Son in reality. (Eph 1:5 - He predestined us to adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the kind intention of His will. Eph 1:11 - Also, we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined in His purpose. He works all things according to His will.) God's salvation does not come in spite of character. It comes to shape that character, so that salvation is possible. The only evidence and proof we can have of His calling upon us is conformity to His image, for that is His purpose, His decree. Christ, as the first-born, has many privileges. He is pre-eminent, holding special honors. Yet, He remains our brother. We are one great family. (Heb 2:12-14 - "I will declare Your name to My brothers in the midst of the congregation. I will sing Your praises." "I will put My trust in Him." "Behold, both Myself, and the children God has given Me." Since children share flesh and blood, He did likewise, so that through His death He could make the devil, who had the power of death, powerless.) God's purpose is that many among humanity will be saved.

8:30

Now, that we may truly rejoice, Paul shows us the linkage between this predestined decree regarding us, and the salvation to which it leads us. All those whom He has so predestined, He has called in such an effective fashion as to justify them. This is more than the invitation of the Gospel, it is the certainty of that effectual calling which the Spirit has empowered us to respond to, such that our justification is infallibly secured to that predestined calling upon us. As predestination precedes our calling, so our calling precedes our justification, securing it to ourselves. All of these are in God's eternal purpose, yet all of these occur in time. As with the calling, justification becomes the securing foundation of our future glorification. The one cannot come without the other, and yet, the one having come, the other is certain to follow. That which has already occurred in this chain assures us that the remaining pieces will also certainly come to pass for us. This is the only way we can understand Paul's declaration here, by which it is consistent with his arguments up to this point. He has offered us a great consolation. Can that consolation be said to console us if it retains the possibility that, even though we be justified, yet we may fall away, and be lost for eternity?

8:31

This certainty, he now expounds upon at length. God has shown Himself our friend by our adoption (Ro 8:15 - We have received a spirit of adoption); by giving us His Spirit (Ro 8:16-17 - His Spirit bears witness to us that we are His children, heirs along with Christ. Ro 8:26-27 - The Spirit helps our weakness when we don't know how to pray. He Himself intercedes for us according to the will of God.); by purposing to save us. With a friend like this, who could possibly injure us? Even the power of our soul's worst enemy has been taken from him. God is mighty, and can save us. (Ps 118:6 - God is for me. I will not fear, for what can man do to me?).

8:32

He did not keep His own Son from suffering on our behalf. There could be no higher proof of His love for us. (Ac 2:23 - He was delivered up according to he predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God.) This He did, not for the apostles alone, but for all Christians, no matter their stature in His flock. Having given such a great thing to us, how can we think He would withhold the little things? Whatever may be needful for our welfare, He will surely and freely give. Even now, it is not a matter of our merit, but His mercy. From beginning to end, the working of our salvation is all grace. What a privilege to be counted a friend of God, to know with assurance that He is our friend and provider! What an assurance to know that His friendship will last for all eternity! What doubt can there be that our great Friend will keep us for eternal life?

8:33

Against God's chosen people, who could bring a charge that would bring condemnation in His tribunal? He has so purposed to save them that none could bring such a charge. He has already pardoned them, and pronounced them just. (Ro 1:17 - In the Gospel, God's righteousness is revealed to the faithful, for it is written that the righteous shall live by faith. Ro 3:24 - We are justified as a gift of His grace through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.) It would be absurd to suppose that He who went to such lengths to bring about our pardon would turn to bring about our condemnation once more.

8:34

To Christ alone belongs the right of passing sentence, for He is the Judge of all. Will He who died for our salvation then sentence us for that from which He saved us? (Ro 4:25 - He was delivered up because of our sins, and raised again for our justification.) Will He undo His own work? He is in the seat of highest power and honor, and His authority He exercises over the Church. (Mt 28:18-19 - All authority has been given to Me in heaven and earth, so go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jn 17:2 - You gave Me authority over all mankind, so that I may give eternal life to all You have given me. Eph 1:20-23 - He raised Christ from death and seated Him at His right hand, in the seat of all power and dominion over all that is named in this age or in that to come. All things are placed in subjection to Him, for He is head over all to the Church which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all things.) He is the protector of the Church, how shall we not know ourselves secure from His condemnation? His purpose, as He sits upon that throne of power, is to intercede for us, even as the Spirit intercedes within us. (Ro 8:26 - The Spirit Himself intercedes for us, expressing things too deep for words. Heb 7:25 - Christ is able to save forever all who come to God through Him, because He is ever there to intercede for them.) In all this work of Christ, we find ourselves secured against any possibility of the Accuser succeeding in pronouncing our doom.

8:35

The certainty of our security is seen in our love for Him. "The love which Christians have for their Redeemer is so strong, that it will surmount and survive all opposition and all trials." Footnote: It would be odd indeed for Paul to insert something that depended on man in the midst of this glorious exposition of God's work on behalf of man. It is far more likely that he continues to speak of God's love for us. It is hardly unusual for our trials to cause our friends to depart from us, even as Christ's troubles caused the apostles to depart from Him. To declare that such things will not drive Him away from us is indeed a great assurance to those who have experienced such treatment from their earthly 'friends.' Afflictions from without (Ro 2:9 - There will be tribulation and distress for every soul that does evil), anxiety from within (2Co 7:5b - We had conflicts around us, and fears within us), constant exposure to the threat of death (Mt 5:11 - Blessed are you when your are persecuted on account of Me); none of these will separate us. Though we may be forced from our homes to wander in wastelands devoid of food, though we may face any number of dangers against which we have no natural defense, though the weapons of civil authority may be turned against us; yet our minds will not be alienated from Him. Our love of the Savior will overcome all these things and more. To the contrary, all these trials will serve only to strengthen and deepen that love, and so to increase our confidence in His power to save.

8:36

What was true of God's people in times of old is equally true now. Because of their association with Him, they endured sufferings even to the point of death. (1Co 4:9 - God kept the apostles for last, men condemned to death, made a spectacle to all the world, before both men and angels.) The dangers never relent. Our enemies see no more issue with killing us than they would with slaughtering sheep.

8:37

Even as we endure such things, we are able to triumph. (1Co 15:57 - Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.) All that they may do against us cannot alienate our love, or otherwise turn us from our God. In this is victory and more: Far from breaking our faith, all their efforts serve only to increase faith, increase strength, and expand our love for Christ. (2Co 4:17 - These momentary and light afflictions are producing an eternal weight of glory.) It is not in our own power that these victories come, but in the power of our Savior. (Php 4:13 - I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.)

8:38

There is absolute certainty that no fear of death, no pains of persecution, no offer of life should we recant could cause us to depart our God. Good angels are sent to serve us (Heb 1:14 - They are ministering spirits, sent to serve those who will inherit salvation), so it seems unlikely that these are the angels Paul has in mind here. Rather, it would seem to be the evil angels that might seek to separate us from God's love. (Mt 25:41 - Depart from Me into the fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 1Co 6:3 - We shall judge angels. Shall we not judge in this life, as well? Eph 6:12 - Our struggle is not against flesh, but against spiritual powers in heavenly places. Col 2:15 - He disarmed the rulers and authorities, and made public display of them over whom He had triumphed. 1Co 15:24 - He will deliver the kingdom to God the Father when He has abolished all other authorities and powers.) Thus, it would be reasonable to think that 'principalities' parallels 'angels,' rather than being a reference to civil authorities. 'Powers' also seems a likely reference to these evil angels. Jewish thought was inclined to consider the angelic forces, both good and evil, as being subdivided into ranks and divisions, such as these terms express. Yet even the most powerful of these dark forces cannot alienate our hearts from Christ. Nothing we suffer now, nor anything that could possibly come against us yet can destroy that love.

8:39

'Height' has been taken to indicate evil spirits, or speculative doctrines, or heavenly things. But it seems more likely that the reference is to the honors and pride of this life. Thus, no gain this life has to offer can separate us from loving Christ, nor any loss we might suffer in this life. Indeed, nothing in all of creation could accomplish that separation. "The love of Christ is stronger than any influence which they can exert on the mind." Our love for God is produced by Christ's work in us, and it is secured by His work for us. "There is no true love of God which is not produced by the work of Christ." To be a Christian is the highest honor available to man, and by comparison, all the trials of this life are nothing. When trials come our way, they ought to be 'borne without a complaint.' We know God's purposes, Christ's work, and the Holy Spirit's together conspiring to secure our salvation. Can there be greater security? With what thankfulness should we come before such a God? He has given us a hope that nothing else could give us, and that nothing can destroy, for we know our complete adoption, redeemed body and soul, will come.

 

 

 

Wycliffe (11/30/01)

8:28

It is to those who love God that this promise is given. They are the ones called by Him according to His purpose. (2Th 2:13-14 - We will always give thanks to God for you, because He has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification and faith. It was for this He called you, so that you might gain the glory of Christ. 2Pe 1:10 - Be diligent to be certain of His calling and choosing you by practicing these things so as not to stumble. Gal 5:13 - You were called to freedom, but don't make that freedom an opportunity for your flesh, but rather to serve each other in love. 1Th 4:7 - He didn't call us for impurity, but for sanctification.)

8:29

Christ is the Chosen One. All those who believe in Him are together the chosen ones. (Eph 1:4 - He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Lk 9:35 - This is My Son, My Chosen One. Lk 25:35 - If He is indeed the Chosen One, God's Christ, let Him save Himself. 1Pe 2:4 - We come to Him who was rejected by men, but chosen by God, and precious in His sight. 1Pe 2:6 - I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.) We are foreknown by God to have a distinct purpose or role to play in His plan. Our destiny is to be conformed to Christ's image. This is not a small group, for God determined that His Son might be first-born among many brothers. He will hold the highest rank amidst this family. (Col 1:18 - He is head of the church body, the beginning, the first-born from the death, so as to have first place in all things. Ro 5:17b - The gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ. 1Co 15:22 - As in Adam all died, so in Christ all will be made alive.)

8:30

The focus of this whole passage is on God's accomplishing of His plan. The call, the justification, the glorification; all are decreed by His eternal counsel, and carried out because He has so purposed. (Eph 1:10-11 - He purposed to bring about an administration fit for the end times, by summing up all things both in heaven and earth together in Christ. In Him, we have this inheritance, for to this we were predestined by His purpose, and He works all things to come into accord with the counsel of His will.) Because He has a purpose and a plan, He is able to cause all things to work for good to those that love Him. The only human factor mentioned throughout this whole section is our love for God. All else is His doing.

8:31-8:32

Here, Paul begins to look at the implications of his teaching. God could not spare His son and still carry out His planned redemption. Seeing what God has done in His love for us, it is clear that He will then give us all things that might be necessary, 'though we may not have all of them right now.'

8:33-8:34

Because God and Christ have so participated in the divine actions involved in our redemption, there is no possibility of charges being brought against His chosen ones.

8:35-8:36

The most formidable of obstacles cannot separate us from Christ's love for us.

8:37

Far from defeated, we are actually in the process of winning even as we deal with these trials. We are winning not through our own abilities, but solely through Christ.

8:38-8:39

Paul points to the greatest extremities of experience: death and life, angels and angelic rulers, all that is above the horizon and all that is below it, anything at all in creation. And in none of these things, does he find what could suffice to separate us from God's manifest love. "The power of God's love is a theme that can never be exhausted."

 

 

 

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (12/1/01)

8:28

In describing the character of a Christian in this verse, Paul looks both to our feelings toward God, and His feelings toward us, finding in the combination of those two, an assurance that all things must be cooperating for the good of those so described. Those who love God are those very ones that are persuaded that He gave His Son for them. As such, they cannot expect other than goodness from Him, and so, have learned to accept with equanimity whatever He may send, no matter how the flesh may react. They know that no matter how painful it may be, all He sends their way is for their good. Further, in knowing that we are part of His eternal purpose, there is assurance of His good thoughts toward us. If it is His purpose, it is not to be thwarted, it cannot be thwarted. He who rules all things can certainly work all things toward His own ends, no matter how dark and crooked they may be in their own nature. (1Co 1:9 - God, who called you to this fellowship with His Son Jesus, is faithful.) This assurance we know. It is common knowledge to all in the household of faith, yet it bears repeating, that we may look upon that truth again and recall how precious it is.

8:29

What is foreknowledge, and how does this differ from predestination? The Pelagians would have it that God, in foreknowing, simply knew in advance how we would choose, but this goes against the clear teaching of Scripture. (2Ti 1:9 - He saved us and called us not because of our works, but solely because of His own purpose, in which purpose He graciously granted us His favor in Christ Jesus, which purpose was His from all eternity. Ro 11:2 - God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Ps 1:6 - The LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the wicked way will perish.) This is not simple foresight, then, but something more. Yet it cannot be the same as predestination, for it is said here to be the foundation upon which predestination is then laid. (Ac 2:23 - Christ was delivered up by God's predetermined plan and His foreknowledge. 1Pe 1:2 - You are chosen according to the foreknowledge of the Father, by the work of the Spirit, so that you can obey Jesus Christ, and be sprinkled with His blood.) It seems then, that foreknowledge speaks more of God's satisfaction in His chosen ones, whereas predestination indicates His fixed purpose for them. Thus, predestination is not that God knew beforehand how we would choose, but that "He creates this very decision in [us]." (Olshausen). Christ is the first-born, already crowned with glory, the very Son of God made flesh, and dying as one cursed. We, by comparison, are merely sinful men, redeemed by His blood, and transformed into His likeness. We are those who wait for the time when we shall see our Brother and Savior as He truly is.

8:30

In predestination, He has already settled all the steps leading to our conformance to Christ's image. The end and the road leading to it are certainties. To be called indicates more than the hearing of the Gospel, but must include in it the answering conversion. Calling is the divine authoring of our change, whereas conversion is the effect of that change upon our character. Those He has so called, He has fully reconciled to Himself, accepting us as those with righteous standing in His sight. He has also brought them to a state of final glory. (Ro 8:17-18 - As His children, we are heirs along with Christ, suffering with Him yet also glorified with Him. For these present sufferings are as nothing when compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us.) These things are all spoken of as accomplished fact. Why? Because they all depend upon that original eternal decree of God, that He has predestined us for this very end. It is certain.

8:31

This final paragraph of Chapter 8 stands as perhaps the most profound expression of thought ever put to words. If He is so resolved to see us thus glorified, 'all our enemies must be His.' (Isa 27:4 - I have no wrath. If one were to surround Me with briars and thorns in the course of battle, I would simply step on them, and burn them completely away.) The worst that can come against us is no more to His power than these thorns and briars!

8:32

Surely, He will not deny us any need, who has delivered His own Son to death to accomplish our deliverance! Here, we see in God's actions the whole of what was reflected in Abraham's actions. (Ge 22:2 - The LORD told Abraham to take his only son, and make of him a burnt offering to God. Ge 22:12 - But God stopped him from completing the act, seeing that he was willing. Thus he was known to fear God.) In the same way, seeing God complete such a sacrifice of His own Son, we know His love for us is certain. His sacrifice was every bit as real and more, as Abraham's, for Christ was God's Son in very nature. This is why the Jews charged Him with blasphemy. (Jn 5:18 - They sought to kill Him because He called God His Father, and so declared Himself equal with God.) Only when we understand this full reality of His relationship to the Father, can we find the sense of Scripture, and see its full harmony. (Jn 3:16 - God so loved us that He gave His only Son.) It was not merely His death, but the complete surrender of Him that God made in allowing that death. Having given already the most valuable gift He could possibly give, how can we think He might hold back any lesser thing from our need?

8:33

This is Paul's first use of the term 'elect' in this letter, a term he will explain in the following chapter.

8:34

When he has so forcefully declared God's established and certain beneficence toward us, it is unthinkable that Paul now might be turning around and suggesting the idea that God might actually bring charges against us, or that Christ might actually condemn us. Clearly, the challenge he declares is to the creation, and not the Creator. [This seems to me a complete misunderstanding. Were the text worded fully as questions, as others have noted it may be, it would simply express the full absurdity of suggesting such a thought, which is indeed in keeping with Paul's train of thought.] As wonderful as is the thought that Christ put an end to our sin in His death, it is more wonderful still to contemplate Him as risen to life once more to see the fruit of His work. Beyond this, we also know Him to be at God's right hand, the seat of honor and power. (1Sa 20:25 - Saul sat on his seat, Jonathan stood, and Abner sat at his side. But David's place remained empty. 1Ki 2:19 - Bathsheba went Solomon to speak, and he rose to greet her. He then sat on his throne, and had another throne set to his right side for the king's mother. Ps 45:9b - At Your right hand stands the queen. Mt 20:21 - Command that in Your kingdom, my sons may sit on Your right and Your left. Ps 110:1 - The LORD says to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, until I have subdued all Your enemies." Mk 16:19 - After Jesus had spoken to them, He was received into heaven to sit at God's right hand. Ac 2:33 - He was exalted to God's right hand, from whence He has poured out that Holy Spirit received from the Father. Ac 7:56 - I see an open heaven, and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand. Eph 1:20 - He raised Christ from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in heaven. Col 3:1 - If you have been raised up with Him, keep seeking those things that are with Him, where He sits at the right hand of God. 1Pe 3:22 - He is at God's right hand, having gone into heaven after subjecting all angels, authorities, and powers to Him. Rev 3:21 - To those who overcome, I will grant them to sit beside Me on My throne, even as I overcame and sat with My Father on His. Mt 26:64 - I tell you that you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Heb 1:3 - He is the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of God's nature. He upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat at the right hand of Majesty on high.) His intercession on our behalf is not to be thought of as the humble kneeling of one before a greater power. Nor is it merely a figure of speech. Rather it is His expressing of His royal will, delivered in royal style. (Jn 17:11-12 - Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. I have kept them in Your name while I was with them, and guarded them. Not one perished but the one who must, so that Scripture might be fulfilled. Jn 17:24 - Father, it is my desire that they whom You have given Me, will also be here with Me to behold My glory, that glory You have given Me. For You loved me before the world was formed.)

8:35

This cannot speak of our love for Christ, but rather of His love for us. The whole of the passage has been to assure us, to give us a firm foundation for confidence in Christ. Our feelings are no foundation for anything, but Christ's feelings for us are assurance indeed. The worst trials that may come our way are not to be understood as God's wrath toward us, nor are they to be seen as His withdrawing of His love from us.

8:36

This verse from Psalms reflects what God's people can expect in any age where the people hate righteousness, and restraint is removed. (Gal 4:29 - Those born of the flesh ever persecute those born of the Spirit.)

8:37

Far from conquering us, all these things actually do us good. Far from separating us from Christ's love, it is His love that brings us through in victory.

8:38

No condition of this present life, nor any unknown possibility of that life to come can separate us from His love.

8:39

Nothing in the universe God created, nothing that can be conceived of, nor even the inconceivable can separate us from His love. So the chapter leaves all who are justified by faith wrapped in the arms of eternal Love, protected from all possible hostilities. How wonderful to realize that all the motions of this world are being coordinated for our good by His divine government! What joy we will find in being conformed to His image, for He is indeed the first-born, pre-eminent in all things. As doctrine must have harmony, so must the Christian character. We cannot know the joy of election without knowing the humility brought by understanding that our election is solely by His grace. We cannot know the peace of justification without knowing the holiness of the called. We must grasp the fact that God's sacrifice in delivering His Son on our behalf was very real for Him as well as for us. This He did to give us assurance as to His providing for all subsequent needs we might have. All doubt as to the meaning of justification should be cleared up in this chapter. Many have thought it to mean that He infused His righteousness into us, and so made us holy. But, the juxtaposition of justification with charges of guilt shows that justification is indeed our acquittal from all charges. Here, also, we put aside any uncertainty as to the meaning of Christ's death. He died to atone for our sins, to pay the penalty for our guilt, so that justification might come to us. How clearly we see Christ's love for us, when we see that He uses the seat of greatest power, which He occupies, to benefit His people here. What hope we are given, in recognizing that all help is with us in Christ, and all that can hurt us is already a conquered foe. If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good; if we are protected by God's own power through faith to salvation (1Pe 1:5); if we are embraced by His arms of love; we ought to be all the more diligent to build up that holy faith in ourselves, to pray in the Spirit, to keep ourselves in His love, waiting for the Lord's mercy unto eternal life (Jude 20-21).

 

 

 

New Thoughts (12/2/01-12/5/01)

So much is here to talk about. Looking back, I see it took several days to cover the things I was seeing on my own in this section. It's taken a couple of days just to read through my notes this time, gathering those things that struck me in the various commentaries. This is simply a fascinating and profound passage. I rather wish that I has broken into smaller pieces when I developed the outline for this study, but I still don't see a good dividing line on which to break it.

Throughout the whole passage, the focus remains on the assurance that is ours; the blessed assurance that we love to sing about. Yet, there are multiple views given of that assurance, perhaps to be the more certain that we grasp the reality of it. Or, perhaps it is simply that Paul could not possibly hold back his thoughts, having once turned to the subject of God's great mercy towards us.

To start, there is the matter of our calling. What is it? Why is it? What's it for? Let's take it in order. As far as what it is, I really like the definition that the JFB commentary puts to it: it is the divine authoring of our change. It is God writing that change on our hearts. By contrast, the conversion experience we feel is the effect of the change He wrote. Notice that He has authored this change, He has brought about the change of character that we rejoice in.

This leads into the why of our calling. We were called so that we could obey. In changing our character, He has enabled us to come into obedience to Him. The order of events is important. He did not choose us because He knew we would obey. He did not choose us because our character showed us worthy of His choosing. He chose us, we did not choose Him. He changed our hearts, so that we could obey. He changed our character so that we could be saved.

So, what was His purpose in this? What did He call us for? He called us to work His purpose. That is the whole of it. His eternal purposes are not subject to failure, yet, unless He changed us, we did not have it in ourselves to do other than to impede His purposes. Thus, He had to work that change in us that would allow His purpose for us to be accomplished in us.

Listen. There is a large movement in the Church today that wants to assure us that God is a gentleman, that He will never force His will on us. Well, I thank God that this impression of Him is not entirely true. If He were so unwilling to force His will on us, we would still be wandering lost. If He had not force Himself upon us, at least insofar as to change our hearts, to create in us the ability to desire Him, there would be no Church to posit theories and doctrines about Him. This is the beginning of recognizing our assurance. Our call, our salvation, are a matter of God's will, not of our ability to comply. What abilities we have, we have from Him.

We should be sure, however, that His will is not a capricious thing, subject to momentary whims. No, He has a purpose for us. He has known from before time, from before creation, exactly what His plans are for us. Those plans are the specifications by which He designed us. He so designed you that you can and will fulfill the plan He has for you. He so designed me that I can and will fulfill the plan He has for me.

Lord! How I need to be reminded of this! So often, I feel as though I am far removed from Your plans, that I am failing You at every turn. How sweet to be reminded that You have designed me for exactly what You desired of me. You have shaped me specifically for the tasks You have in mind for me to accomplish. You have saved me to perform exactly those good works You have prepared for me ahead of time, and You have prepared me ahead of time to accomplish exactly those good works! You are so awesome, so wonderful!

There is indeed a general purpose for which God has called all of us. He has an overarching plan for His people, for His chosen ones. As Matthew Henry writes, "We are called to that to which we were chosen." We are chosen for salvation; we are called to His kingdom. This is what it's about. This is His purpose for us all, to save us from this world, and place us secure in His kingdom. We have been reborn 'to inherit the incorruptible.' Without that rebirth that He has authored in us, without the change that He has written on our hearts, on our very beings, we could have no inheritance in Him, we could have no place in His kingdom. His kingdom is a kingdom of purity. Such purity requires a holiness of its citizens, a holiness that is wholly alien to our natures, unless and until He comes with change.

Then comes the hard part. Our afflictions also come from this same loving, purposeful God. Why? They come, we are told, to increase our eternal glory. This is the hardest part for the modern Christian of the western world to comprehend. We have been taught by our society to avoid trial, to avoid pain, to seek after comforts. But the Christian whose trust is in the Lord knows that no matter how painful his circumstances may be, it is for his good that those circumstances come.

Lord, You've shown me just how hard it is to remember this. All these last several weeks, there's been so much to deal with, so much to cope with. I've felt so constantly overwhelmed by it all, yet You have been keeping these reminders ever before my eyes. You have indeed been faithful to me. You have indeed seen me through every trial. And when I stop to consider the situation that many are facing in other nations, these afflictions truly seem inconsequential. Indeed, no discipline is pleasant at the time. I pray that You will forgive our grumbling 'at the time.' I thank You, that You have indeed heard our prayers for a greater perseverance, and answered. Allow us, oh God, to continue unafraid, as we seek greater patience. Teach us, sweet Holy Spirit, to accept the lessons with a sweetness of our own character, with an equanimity that comes of remembering Your goodness behind even our hardest trials.

But let us remember one, even greater thing. The primary purpose, above and beyond every other general purpose God has for us, above and beyond every unique purpose He has for us as individual members of His body, is to glorify Jesus Christ. It is for this that we have been saved, that He might be glorified as the first-born among many brothers.

So how are we to glorify Him? We shall glorify Him as we submit with humility to everything He decrees for us. Not just the 'good stuff.' Not just the holy moments before His throne, but everything. If He were to decree that we must excel on our job, inherit a vast estate, or otherwise attain to honor in this life, we have no problem with that. But, what if He decrees for us a life of constant pain and sorrow? What if He decrees for us the pains of martyrdom? Are we still willing to submit?

Far from claiming that we are exempt from suffering and adversity, Scripture makes clear that such is the expected case, the norm, for believers. The world will ever hate that which is not of itself. It is at war with God, and will consider all who serve Him as enemies to be exterminated by any means necessary. Our lot in this life is not all joy and happiness. But we are guaranteed of something far greater. We are guaranteed that we will be delivered from every pain and sorrow, from every affliction and trial that the world may bring against us. We must still go through the battles, but the victory is assured. We may even face death on His behalf, but He has conquered death. The final outcome is assured.

Submission, however, consists in more than accepting what He does give us. There's also the question of what He doesn't give. I've watched many who seek out His healing, and simply cannot accept or understand Him not giving it to them. There is no room in many people's minds for God not to heal. Indeed, it's hard to think of Him not doing so. It's hard to think of Him not saving some, yet He has said that this will be the case. There will be many who ignore His call. Am I saying that those not healed have somehow refused the healing He has offered? No. Nor will I accept the standard 'they're faith is just not strong enough' argument. That's tripe. It's not your faith anyway, it's His. And being His, it is certainly strong enough to do any thing He desires for it to do. The issue is desire. Whose desire? Is it His? It will come to pass. Is it ours? Well, then we ought to check that our will is His will. And if it isn't, then our desires ought to change.

Does God want what's best for our lives? Do we really believe that? I know we all say that, but do we believe it? If we do, then we will gladly let go of every desire of our heart, that His desire might be fulfilled in us. If He has decided that the best means we have of glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ is in our suffering, will we refuse Him our service? Will we reject Him because we don't like the things He has chosen for us?

Lord God, You are all wise. Your ways are far beyond our own, yet we try to give You counsel. We are weak and spoiled children, my God. We wheedle and whine for You to give us only good things, to allow us to play and have fun. But You have called us to work, and work is not generally fun. Yet, You are all wise. Your plans, we must know, are the best possible plans. Your means of attaining Your purpose are the best possible means. If You have declared that we must suffer in this life, as Your own Son suffered in this life, then so be it. For we know that as Your Son is now glorified and exalted, we, too, will be glorified, exalted to the heavens to sing Your praises for all eternity! Help us, oh God, to submit to Your will, whatever we may learn it to be. Help us, dear Lord, to set aside every desire that runs counter to Your will.

Although we have begun to shift our focus to the Father in this section of Romans, there remains a strong echo of the Spirit's workings in all this. As the Wycliffe commentary pointed out, there is only one human factor mentioned in this whole passage: our love for God. Everything else that has been declared has been His doing. Everything. So, is our love for Him a work that we can finally lay claim to? No! As Barnes writes, "There is no true love of God which is not produced by the work of Christ." Even our love for Him is none of our own doing, but a byproduct of His love in us. We love Him because He first loved us. Until His love filled us, there was nothing in us that could love Him. So far, this doesn't seem to have much to do with the Holy Spirit, but it does have a great deal to do with Him. Christ, in loving us, sent us the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Apart from His influence in us, we would not believe God, we could not take Him at His word.

As Barnes says in his comments on Ps 130, there is a harmonious divine order to the works of God. First things must come first. And all too often, we think of these things in reverse order. We like to think that He loves us because we accepted Him. In reality, we accepted Him only after He had made that love evident in us. Until He brought change in us, we could not choose salvation. It's not a question of whether our faith was strong enough to save us. It's not a question at all. It is simple fact that His purpose and plan was and is our salvation. His purpose in sending the Holy Spirit was and is our salvation. His work in us has brought about our salvation. We have yet to deserve it, yet we are already possessed of it. Inheritance does not come because of inherent worth. Not on our part. The inheritance comes because of His inherent worth.

We live in an age where feelings are considered of utmost importance. It's not so critical whether we learn as it is whether we feel good about ourselves in the process. It's not so critical whether we do a good job as it is whether we're happy at our job. It's not so critical whether we know ourselves saved as it is whether we feel ourselves to be saved. The prevailing mind set in our culture is that "I'm OK, you're OK" mentality, that doesn't have a solid definition of what OK is. It's all relative right? But, of what use is a relative salvation? Of what use is a confidence that rests on our feelings about the situation? Indeed, our feelings are a worthless and shaky foundation to build upon. They change with every passing word, every moment brings a new direction for our emotions to tug us in.

But Christ's feelings for us! This is another matter indeed. His emotions, like all that God is, are unchanging. His love is eternal. His desire for His bride never ceases, never slackens. His love for us is His testimony to our accomplished salvation. The Holy Spirit, who takes from Him and speaks His truth to our souls, testifies of His great love for us. His testimony builds in our hearts an absolute assurance of the work of salvation that has been done in us. Our emotions may tell us otherwise. We will find ourselves often questioning our standing with God. But His testimony isn't changed by our emotions. His decision stands. Our anchor holds.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love." This is God's declaration to His people in Jer 31:3. This is the love Christ has shown us. This is the love that the Holy Spirit constantly ministers to us. It is everlasting. It is not subject to change. Friends may desert us in times of adversity. When we are humiliated, there may not be many standing by our side. So it was for Christ. When they came for Him, all who were with Him deserted Him. So it was for Paul. When he was brought before Nero, none stood by him. So it often is for us. Yet, we, with Paul, with Christ, have One who never leaves or forsakes us. His love doesn't care a whit for our circumstances. His love doesn't care a whit about the problems we've gotten ourselves into. His love doesn't care a whit about the mistakes we've made. His love doesn't change.

I should clarify, at this point, that I'm not suggesting that He therefore condones our sins. Nor am I suggesting that He is an indifferent God, who doesn't concern Himself with our circumstances, but just stands back to see what we will do. No way! God is holy. He cannot condone sin. He cannot abide evil to live in His sight. Yet He is merciful and just. He will do what He must to bring His children up in ways appropriate to His holy court.

He did not roll the cosmic dice to decide whether or not we would be saved. Our salvation was not left to chance. That is precisely why no part of our salvation was left to our own devices. The only way He could remove the chance factor was to take the whole matter into His own hands. Can we be certain of our salvation? Absolutely certain! It's not up to us, and it never has been! It's a matter of God's purpose, and who will try to declare that His purposes can be thwarted by such as us? What was done in Jesus Christ, in His death and resurrection, was done for God's eternal purpose. This is the message of Eph 3:11. An eternal purpose - unchanged and unchanging. The word of God will not return to Him void, and He has declared this purpose. Will He not do, has He not done already, all that is necessary for His purposes to be fulfilled?

Look again at these words from Adam Clarke: "He who is infinitely wise has undertaken to direct us: He who is infinitely powerful has undertaken to protect us: He who is infinitely good has undertaken to save us." He is infinitely wise! Where wisdom speaks of making the best possible plans, and using the best possible means of undertaking those plans, His capacity is without bounds. This magnificent Planner is the One who directs us, who shows us the paths in which we ought to walk!

He is infinitely powerful! In His power, a mere word spoke the world into existence, a mere breath from His nostrils suffices to change landscapes. In His power, everything that exists is kept in the orderly arrangement that so satisfies the scientific among us. This is the power that has declared itself for us, that has determined to protect us. This is the power that not only protects us from the enemies outside, but also protects us against our own fickle natures. This is the power that has declared our salvation!

He is infinitely good! If all of the infinitude of possibility is filled with His goodness, there can be no room left for evil in Him. What is infinitely one cannot be partially the opposite. In His infinite goodness, He has undertaken to save us, though we are so undeserving of His favor. In His infinite goodness, He has arranged that our sins be paid for by the only One who could pay such a steep penalty: His Son. In His infinite goodness, He has changed our hearts. He has indeed invaded our very souls, correcting the blindness, the sin sickness, that kept us from knowing His love, from returning His love.

This, then, is our assurance. He has done it all! There is not even a possibility that, He being the author of our salvation, that salvation could fail. God cannot fail of His purpose. It is not only unthinkable, it is impossible. What power could prevail against the all-powerful God? Our will? I think not. We may like to think our free will was involved, because we want to feel like an important part of the plan. But it was our 'free' will that chose the life of sin in the first place. If salvation were up to our will, our choice, we would remain a doomed and hopeless people. What consolation, what assurance, could we find in a salvation based on our own best efforts? Such a salvation would forever be subject to failure, for we are all too prone to mistakes. Would you really want to stake your eternity on your own choices? Far better, to trust God for the outcome!

So, what does all this say for Christian character? If it's all in His hands, then why shall we concern ourselves with behaving well? He'll save us anyway, right? Ah, but we're not discussing things that lie in our future. We're discussing things God has already done. He has already called us, already justified us, already highly honored us. Did He do this in spite of our character? Yes and no. Inasmuch as He loved us when we were still His enemies, yes. In that respect He came in spite of our character. But He came to shape that character, to change it from what it was to what is capable of salvation.

He cannot ultimately save the unrighteous. He must first make us righteous, work our character such that we come to resemble His Son, such that holiness and sanctity are part and parcel of our makeup. Only with that work accomplished does He save. If our character is not coming into conformity with this shaping, we ought to be concerned. We ought to be doing our utmost to 'make certain our salvation,' for our salvation depends on His shaping of our character.

There is a harmony to sound doctrine. This harmony I have been touched by on rare occasions. I can recall one particular walk with a brother of mine, when we were discussing some of the more challenging matters of doctrine; free will, election, predestination, all those things over which divisions have sprung up. This very idea of harmony so well described for me how I saw all these things playing together! How, if any one were removed or misunderstood, our salvation stood like a chord missing a root note. It became uncertain, unclear as to which way things might go from there. But with a clear understanding, with a full and coherent view of God's workings in creation, that chord is clearly heard. There is no doubt as to what key our lives are being played in, there is no question of resolving a discord. The progression is clear, and leads with absolute certainty to our salvation, and our eternal glory with Christ Jesus.

As with doctrine, so with our character. All the facets of Christian character must come together like a symphony. Patience and joy. Longsuffering and peace. Understanding and love. We can't pick and choose the pieces of character that we desire, and set aside the rest. It doesn't work that way. Christianity without the hard parts, as well as the wonderful parts, is not Christianity any more. It is some worldly perversion. It is no longer a symphony, but a cacophony. Without love, we are reminded, all of our efforts are nothing but a noisy banging of cymbals, no more pleasing than the sound of trashcans thrown to the curb. This same concern hold true for all the other facets of our character. Without patience, our best efforts will remain marred and ugly. Without understanding, our love will be a warped and distorted thing. Only when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us the full fruits of His presence, only as His changes shape our essence, will we find our lives played out as a wonderful harmony, a song of praise to our Lord.

Salvation is a precious thing. All that has gone before has been worked into a miraculous pattern to achieve that salvation. The entire history of man is no more than the record of God's weaving of that pattern. It is an awesome thing, having a beauty that defies description. Far be it from us, who know the benefits of that wondrous salvation, to dare take it for granted! To know its certainty is not a license to take it for granted. To know His purpose cannot fail is not a license to do our best to thwart Him. To know our salvation is no license to sin. Indeed, we ought never to trifle with our salvation. We ought to be jealous in assuring ourselves of it. How shall we do that? By doing our utmost to allow His work to change us. By allowing Him free reign in our hearts and souls. By remembering always that even in our doing this, we have done nothing to achieve our own salvation. It remains wholly and completely of His authoring. Yet, what better way could we find to express our gratitude to its Author, than to make His task as easy as we possibly can?