God’s Glorious Plan
12 June 2022 AM – Romans 8:29-30 – Rom2022 – Scott Childs
Introduction: One of the most difficult and divisive topics in the Bible is the topic of election. I do not claim to understand it fully. Some Bible verses sound like God elected or chose certain people to be saved and left the others to go to hell. At the same time, the Bible clearly says, (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 2:4) “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:6) “Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (2 Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (Romans 10:13) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” If God chose only certain ones for salvation and left the rest to go to hell, what are we to do with the scores of verses that say the opposite? As Jesus prayed over Jerusalem, He prayed, (Luke 13:34) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” Scripture clearly teaches that humans have a will to choose or reject God’s salvation. God is sovereign, that is true, but He cannot contradict His Word, the Bible. Therefore, since God wants all men to be saved, none to perish, and offers salvation to whosoever, we know that He did not elect some to be saved and the rest to be lost.
Transition: Harry Ironside said, “We have a glorious chain of five links in Romans 8:29-30 reaching from Eternity in the past to Eternity in the future – foreknown, predestinated, called, justified, glorified!” This morning, I want us to examine those five links that we might gain a greater appreciation for God’s Glorious Plan for our lives.
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Foreknow (the first link)