Verse by Verse

Hi. I'm Erik Jones, and this is Verse by Verse, a short podcast all about exploring the insights and lessons of the inspired word of God. In today's episode, we're going to focus on a verse written by the apostle Paul. That verse is Romans 8 verse 30. Now Romans 8 is one of the most significant sections of the Bible on the topic of Christian conversion and the working of the Holy Spirit in a Christian's life.

Amid his inspired words on these topics, Paul wrote these words in verse 30. Moreover, whom he predestined, these he also called whom he called, these he also justified and whom he justified, these he also glorified. Paul discusses 4 important concepts in this verse. But before we take a closer look at each of them, let's consider the context. This verse actually is connected to the most famous verse in the 8th chapter of Romans.

That is Romans 8 verse 28. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose. Many people can quote that scripture from memory. Now after he wrote these words, Paul went on to explain some of the main concepts of the words he covers in verse 28. First of all, in the very next verse, verse 29, he elaborates on the purpose Christians are called for.

Verse 29 says, for whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. So the purpose God called his people to, for which all things will work out according to verse 28, is to be conformed to the image of his son. In other words, to become like Jesus Christ, to possess his full power and character as a member of his family. That right there, being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, is the reason you were born. That is your purpose.

Now continuing on with Paul's writing here in Romans 8, after talking about the purpose in verse 29, Paul goes on in verse 30 to discuss these four elements of the process of conversion, which are necessary to fulfill that purpose we discussed in the previous verse. He again writes, moreover whom he predestined, these he also called whom he called, these he also justified and whom he justified, these he also glorified. So Paul highlights the sequence of 4 steps God uses to bring people into his family. 1st, they are predestined. This means that God has determined their future and purpose, which, of course, is explained in the previous verse.

They are predestined. Their destiny is set to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Now this should not be confused with the false Calvinistic belief of predestination that says god has predetermined who will be given salvation and who will be destined for hell. No. God's word is clear that his will and plan is to make salvation available to all people, but he has specifically selected a small number to give that opportunity to in this age.

Now back to the verse. The second aspect after predestined is they are called. This means that of those people god has selected in his wisdom to have their understanding opened today, that understanding allows them to be drawn to him. However, we must also remember that the parable of the wedding supper in Matthew 22 shows that many choose not to respond to God's calling. That's why Jesus said many are called, but few are chosen.

But of those who do respond positively to god's calling, they then go on to the 3rd step, which is they are justified. That means that through their baptism and acceptance of Christ's shed blood, they are made right with god. They are aligned with him. They are made just. God removes their past sins and offers them ongoing forgiveness, which again makes them just or spiritually pure and clean in his eyes.

And then we move on to the 4th element. They are glorified. This refers to their future resurrection and birth into the eternal family of god. At that time, they will receive God's glory and power as immortal spirit beings. Glorification occurs in the future when God's people are given glory at the return of Jesus Christ.

So those are the 4 elements or steps that Paul writes about in Romans 8 verse 30. So let's read it one more time. This time, hopefully, with a better understanding of these 4 steps in the conversion process that he writes about. Moreover, whom he predestined, these he also called whom he called, these he also justified and whom he justified, these he also glorified. In this one verse, the apostle Paul highlights 4 essential elements of the conversion process, from God's selection of those he calls to the ultimate purpose he has for those he calls, glorification as spirit beings in the eternal family of God.

Verse by Verse is a companion podcast to the daily bible verse blog, which you can find on the Life, Hope and Truth Learning Center. Check out the show notes for more.