THE PEOPLE BEING PREPARED FOR GLORY.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called; and whom He called, them He also justified; and whom He justified them he also glorified. Romans 8v28-30
The last word in these verses, indeed the last word in this section of Romans 8,is glorified. Salvation is not complete until the people of God are glorified, and that is where we are all headed. But who are these people who are being prepared for glory? No sooner has Paul mentioned "the saints" in verse 27, than he wishes to define who these people are and this is the subject matter of verses 28-30.
This is particularly relevant in the present day. We live in a day when scholars and preachers wish to rewrite the Bible. The twin evil doctrines of PLURALISM and UNIVERSALISM are being propagated. Pluralism is the doctrine that there are many different ways to heaven. Not so, according to the Bible. Universalism is the doctrine that in the end everyone will be saved. Language like "the unshakeable conviction that good will triumph over evil, and life over death" words like "we must find our common humanity through the love of the Lord Jesus Christ". Fine words indeed, but sadly wrong, and many are being deceived. Scripture which applies only to believers in Christ is today being applied universally, in the quest for equality and non- discrimination. The only false discrimination going on is that people are failing to listen to what God is saying . Jesus clearly taught that there is a tiny gate and a narrow way, and few there be that find it. He also taught of large gate and a broad road that would lead to destruction and many there be that go in thereat. ( Matthew chapter 7) This very epistle speaks of "vessels of glory" and in the same context "vessels of wrath" (Romans chapter 9). The entire Bible ends in revelation chapter 20 describing a group of people who are living and reigning with Christ and another group of people who are banished forever from the presence of God. Read it all for yourselves, be not deceived.
Who will be in heaven, who will be glorified, who are the saints Paul is speaking about here? The answer could not be clearer than that which is presented in Romans chapter 8:
"Them that are in Christ Jesus." verse 1
"Them that love God" verse 28
"Them that are the called according to His purpose." verse 28
"Them whom He foreknew" verse 29
"Them whom He predestinated." verse 29
"Them whom He called." verse 30
"Them whom He justified." verse 30
THEM HE GLORIFIED verse 30
There could be nothing clearer than what is stated above. Pluralism is a non-starter. God has declared there is only one way to heaven, and He makes the rules. Universalism is nothing but a desirable deception. We all want to believe it is true, but it will not happen. There is no discrimination with God, He offers salvation freely to all. there is no limitation in the work of Christ, His blood avails for all; the only limitation is in our refusal to accept God's terms: but if you are truly one of God's people, on the basis that the letter to the Romans has taught you until now, then you are truly blessed, and on your way to glory, and the wonderful promise contained in verse 28 applies to you which we will consider tomorrow. Are we on the narrow road leading to life?
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