The Golden Chain

Romans 8:28-30 (ESV)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.Isn’t it interesting that although the Christian life is full of trials, suffering, and tribulation, God still works all things for the good of those who love Him? It is a remarkable dichotomy. God is ultimately the One doing the work to shape us, refine us, and conform us to the image of His Son—and He does this for all who have been called by Him.But there is an even greater purpose in all of this: God desires to glorify the Christian. Yes, Christian’s ought to glorify God in all they do, but we often forget that God is also in the process of glorifying His people. What do I mean by that? Those who have been called according to His purpose will one day be perfectly conformed to the image of His Son in eternity.These verses that Paul introduces are often called “The Golden Chain.” Just as a gold chain is made up of interconnected links, so too God interlinks these realities in the Christian life: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. This passage has often become a point of contention within Christianity because it raises the discussion of free will versus God’s effectual calling. We will certainly talk about this on Sunday with both grace and humility.Paul also introduces the “already, but not yet” reality that many scholars speak about. Although we have been justified and reconciled to God, we have not yet fully experienced what it means to be glorified. The glorification of the believer will ultimately take place at the resurrection.I long to be with you all this Sunday. Even now, pray that the Spirit would continue His work of glorification in our churches, homes, and individual lives.In Christ,Pastor Blake