“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.” (Rom. 8:28-30)
Where is your head this morning? Are you worried about the day…about your faith…about trials you may encounter? What is it that is diverting your attention from Jesus this morning? Take heart and reread the text above before moving on with this devotional.
This is perhaps the most cited proof for God’s persevering grace. Paul says, “Those whom He (God) foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers (and sisters).”
The reason for citing this passage is how it continues. The apostle goes on to say, “Those whom He [God] predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.” Putting these all in a perfect tense and translating them as “past action” we know that these are true for His own from the beginning.
In none of those phrases does Paul say, “Some of those….” When God tips the first domino in the process of our salvation, he makes all the dominoes fall without losing any of us in whom He began to work. Why is that so important and encouraging?
The assurance that God will finish the work He has begun reveals that – though we can have our ups and downs in the Christian life – He perseveres in His love for us. We may fail, but He is faithful. He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. Paul says to the Philippians, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”
So, if you have truly acknowledged that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, then God’s wonderful grace has tipped the dominoes in your heart toward Him! You are heaven bound with all who love him – there are no exceptions! Let this strong assurance crush all doubt and worry that would keep your heart from beating strongly for Jesus today.
God Bless y’all today.
In His Grip,
Pastor Mike
