Romans 8:29
Verse
Context
God Works in All Things
28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.29For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
Sermons
Alan Redpath
Paul Washer
Elisabeth Elliot
Helen Roseveare
Zac Poonen
Art KatzSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For whom he did foreknow, etc. - "In this and the following verse the apostle shows how our calling is an argument that all things work together to advance our eternal happiness, by showing the several steps which the wisdom and goodness of God have settled, in order to complete our salvation. In order to this he first gives us, in this verse, the foundation and finishing, or the beginning and end, of the scheme of our redemption: For whom God did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. To foreknow, here signifies to design before, or at the first forming of the scheme; to bestow the favor and privilege of being God's people upon any set of men, Rom 11:2. This is the foundation or first step of our salvation; namely, the purpose and grace of God, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began, Ti2 1:9. Then, he knew or favored us; for in this sense the word to know is taken in a great variety of places, both in the Old and New Testaments. And as he knew the Gentiles then, when the scheme was laid, and before any part of it was executed, consequently, in reference to the execution of this scheme, he foreknew us. This is the first step of our salvation, and the end or finishing of it is our conformity to the Son of God in eternal glory, Rom 8:17, which includes and supposes our moral conformity to him. When God knew us, at the forming of the Gospel scheme; or, when he intended to bestow on us the privilege of being his people; he then destinated or designed us to be conformed to the image of his Son; and, as he destinated or determined us then to this very high honor and happiness, he pre-destinated, fore-ordained, or pre-determined us to it. Thus we are to understand the foundation and finishing of the scheme of our salvation. The foundation is the foreknowledge, or gracious purpose of God; the finishing is our being joint heirs with Christ. Now, our calling or invitation (see on Rom 8:28 (note)) stands in connection with both these. 1. It stands in connection with God's foreknowledge; and so it is a true and valid calling: for we are called, invited, or chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, who may bestow his blessings upon any people, as may seem good in his sight, Pe1 1:2; consequently, we have a good title to the blessings of the Gospel to which we are called or invited. And this was to be proved, that the Jew, to whom the apostle particularly wrote, might see that the Gentiles being now called into the Church of God was not an accidental thing, but a matter which God had determined when he conceived the Gospel scheme. Thus our calling is connected with God's foreknowledge. 2. It stands also in connection with our being conformed to the image of his Son; for we are invited by the Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, Th2 2:14. And therefore, supposing, what the apostle supposes, that we love God, it is certain, from our being called, that we shall be glorified with the sons of God; and so our calling proves the point, that all things should work together for our good in our present state, because it proves that we are intended for eternal glory; as he shows in the next verse. For we must understand his foreknowing, predestinating, calling, and justifying, in relation to his glorifying; and that none are finally glorified, but those who, according to his purpose, are conformed to the image of his Son." Taylor. The first-born among many brethren - That he might be the chief or head of all the redeemed; for His human nature is the first fruits of the resurrection from the dead; and He is the first human being that, after having passed through death, was raised to eternal glory. See Dr. Taylor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--as touching this "calling according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28). whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate--foreordain. In what sense are we to take the word "foreknow" here? "Those who He foreknew would repent and believe," say Pelagians of every age and every hue. But this is to thrust into the text what is contrary to the whole spirit, and even letter, of the apostle's teaching (see Rom 9:11; Ti2 1:9). In Rom 11:2, and Psa 1:6, God's "knowledge" of His people cannot be restricted to a mere foresight of future events, or acquaintance with what is passing here below. Does "whom He did foreknow," then, mean "whom He foreordained?" Scarcely, because both "foreknowledge" and "foreordination" are here mentioned, and the one as the cause of the other. It is difficult indeed for our limited minds to distinguish them as states of the Divine Mind towards men; especially since in Act 2:23 "the counsel" is put before "the foreknowledge of God," while in Pe1 1:2 "election" is said to be "according to the foreknowledge of God." But probably God's foreknowledge of His own people means His "peculiar, gracious, complacency in them," while His "predestinating" or "foreordaining" them signifies His fixed purpose, flowing from this, to "save them and call them with an holy calling" (Ti2 1:9). to be conformed to the image of his Son--that is, to be His sons after the pattern, model, or image of His Sonship in our nature. that he might be the first-born among many brethren--"The First-born," the Son by nature; His "many brethren," sons by adoption: He, in the Humanity of the Only-begotten of the Father, bearing our sins on the accursed tree; they in that of mere men ready to perish by reason of sin, but redeemed by His blood from condemnation and wrath, and transformed into His likeness: He "the First-born from the dead"; they "that sleep in Jesus," to be in due time "brought with Him"; "The First-born," now "crowned with glory and honor"; His "many brethren," "when He shall appear, to be like Him, for they shall see Him as He is."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For whom he did foreknow,.... The foreknowledge of God here, does not intend his prescience of all things future; by which he foreknows and foretells things to come, and which distinguishes him from all other gods; and is so called, not with respect to himself, with whom all things are present, but with respect to us, and which is eternal, universal, certain, and infallible; for in this sense he foreknows all men, and if this was the meaning here, then all men would be predestinated, conformed to the image of Christ, called by grace, justified and glorified; whereas they are a special people, whom God has foreknown: nor is this foreknowledge to be understood of any provision or foresight of the good works, holiness, faith, and perseverance of men therein, upon which God predestinates them to happiness; since this would make something out of God, and not his good pleasure, the cause of predestination; which was done before, and without any consideration of good or evil, and is entirely owing to the free grace of God, and is the ground and foundation of good works, faith, holiness, and perseverance in them: but this regards the everlasting love of God to his own people, his delight in them, and approbation of them; in this sense he knew them, he foreknew them from everlasting, affectionately loved them, and took infinite delight and pleasure in them; and this is the foundation of their predestination and election, of their conformity to Christ, of their calling, justification, and glorification: for these he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son; having perfect, distinct, special knowledge of them, joined with love to them, he predetermined, or fore-appointed them in his eternal mind, in his everlasting and unchangeable purposes and decrees to this end, conformity to the image of Christ; which is not to be understood of the Spirit of Christ: God's elect indeed are chosen to be holy, and through sanctification of the Spirit, but are never said to be conformed, made like to the Spirit, nor is the Spirit ever called the image of Christ; but this designs either likeness to Christ as the Son of God, or conformity to him in his human nature. There is indeed a great disparity between the sonship of Christ, and of the saints; he is the eternal and natural Son of God, he is the one and only begotten Son, they are adopted ones, yet in some things there is a likeness; as he is the Son of God, so are they the sons of God, though not in the same sense; as he is a beloved Son, so are they; as he is the firstborn with respect them, they are the firstborn with respect to angels; as he has an inheritance, so have they; moreover, he has a very great concern in their sonship; the predestination of them to it is by him; the blessing itself is founded on union to him, on their conjugal relation to him, and his assumption of their nature; it comes to them through his redemption, and is actually bestowed on them by him; and this conformity to Christ as sons, will mere fully appear hereafter, when they shall be like him, and see him as he is: or this may be understood of the saints' conformity to Christ in his human nature, both here and hereafter: here in holiness; the image of God was in in his first creation, this is defaced by sin; and in regeneration, the image of Christ is stamped, his grace is wrought in them, his Spirit is put into them, to enable them to walk in him, and after him: this will be complete hereafter, and will consist in perfect holiness, being freed from the very being, as well as the power and guilt of sin; in perfect knowledge of everything that will tend to their happiness; and in glory like to Christ, both in soul and body: that he might be the firstborn among many brethren; the persons among whom Christ is the firstborn are described by their relation, "brethren"; to one another, being related to the same Father, regenerated by the same grace, taken into the same family, and heirs of the same glory; and to Christ, which relation, as brethren to him, is not merely founded on his incarnation, but in their adoption; and which is evidenced by their regeneration, and doing the will of his Father; an which relation he owns, and is not ashamed of: they are also described by their number, "many"; for though they are but few, when compared with the world; yet they are many, a large number, considered by themselves; and among these, Christ is the "firstborn"; he is the firstborn of God, the begotten of the Father, he is the first begotten, and as such he is the only begotten; he is the firstborn of Mary, she had none before him, and he is the only one that ever was born in the manner he was; he is the first begotten from the dead, his resurrection is called a begetting, and he was the first in time that rose from the dead by his own power, and to an immortal life, and the first in causality and dignity. Christ is the firstborn with respect to all creatures in general; he was begotten of the Father before all creatures were; he is the first cause of them all, the governor, basis, and support of them: and he is the firstborn with respect to the saints; who are of the same nature with him, are made partakers of the divine nature, are sons in the same family, though not in the same class of sonship: moreover, this character may regard not so much birth as privilege which belongs to Christ as Mediator; who, as the firstborn had, has the blessing, the government, the priesthood, and the inheritance; all which is owing to, and is one end of divine predestination. The Cabalistic (m) writers among the Jews give the name of "firstborn" to the second Sephira, number, or person, "Wisdom", which answers to the Son of God. (m) Vid. Cabala Denudata, par. 1. p. 200. & par. 2. p. 7.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having reckoned up so many ingredients of the happiness of true believers, comes here to represent the ground of them all, which he lays in predestination. These precious privileges are conveyed to us by the charter of the covenant, but they are founded in the counsel of God, which infallibly secures the event. That Jesus Christ, the purchaser, might not labour in vain, nor spend his strength and life for nought and in vain, there is a remnant given him, a seed that he shall see, so that the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands. For the explication of this he here sets before us the order of the causes of our salvation, a golden chain, which cannot be broken. There are four links of it: - I. Whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. All that God designed for glory and happiness as the end he decreed to grace and holiness as the way. Not, whom he did foreknow to be holy those he predestinated to be so. The counsels and decrees of God do not truckle to the frail and fickle will of men; no, God's foreknowledge of the saints is the same with that everlasting love wherewith he is said to have loved them, Jer 31:3. God's knowing his people is the same with his owning them, Psa 1:6; Joh 10:14; Ti2 2:19. See Rom 11:2. Words of knowledge often in scripture denote affection; so here: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God, Pe1 1:2. And the same word is rendered fore-ordained, Pe1 1:20. Whom he did foreknow, that is, whom he designed for his friends and favourites. I know thee by name, said God to Moses, Exo 33:12. Now those whom god thus foreknew he did predestinate to be conformed to Christ. 1. Holiness consists in our conformity to the image of Christ. This takes in the whole of sanctification, of which Christ is the great pattern and sampler. To be spirited as Christ was, to walk and live as Christ did, to bear our sufferings patiently as Christ did. Christ is the express image of his Father, and the saints are conformed to the image of Christ. Thus it is by the mediation and interposal of Christ that we have God's love restored to us and God's likeness renewed upon us, in which two things consists the happiness of man. 2. All that God hath from eternity foreknown with favour he hath predestinated to this conformity. It is not we that can conform ourselves to Christ. Our giving ourselves to Christ takes rise in God's giving us to him; and, in giving us to him, he predestinated us to be conformable to his image. It is a mere cavil therefore to call the doctrine of election a licentious doctrine, and to argue that it gives encouragement to sin, as if the end were separated from the way and happiness from holiness. None can know their election but by their conformity to the image of Christ; for all that are chosen are chosen to sanctification (Th2 2:13), and surely it cannot be a temptation to any to be conformed to the world to believe that they were predestinated to be conformed to Christ. 3. That which is herein chiefly designed is the honour of Jesus Christ, that he might be the first-born among many brethren; that is, that Christ might have the honour of being the great pattern, as well as the great prince, and in this, as in other things, might have pre-eminence. It was in the first-born that all the children were dedicated to God under the law. The first-born was the head of the family, on whom all the rest did depend: now in the family of the saints Christ must have the honour of being the first-born. And blessed be God that there are many brethren; though they seem but a few in one place at one time, yet, when they come all together, they will be a great many. There is, therefore, a certain number predestinated, that the end of Christ's undertaking might be infallibly secured. Had the event been left at uncertainties in the divine counsels, to depend upon the contingent turn of man's will, Christ might have been the first-born among but few or no brethren - a captain without soldiers and a prince without subjects - to prevent which, and to secure to him many brethren, the decree is absolute, the thing ascertained, that he might be sure to see his seed, there is a remnant predestinated to be conformed to his image, which decree will certainly have its accomplishment in the holiness and happiness of that chosen race; and so, in spite of all the opposition of the powers of darkness, Christ will be the first-born among many, very many brethren. II. Whom he did predestinate those he also called, not only with the external call (so many are called that were not chosen, Mat 20:16; Mat 22:14), but with the internal and effectual call. The former comes to the ear only, but this to the heart. All that God did from eternity predestinate to grace and glory he does, in the fulness of time, effectually call. The call is then effectual when we come at the call; and we then come at the call when the Spirit draws us, convinces the conscience of guilt and wrath, enlightens the understanding, bows the will, persuades and enables us to embrace Christ in the promises, makes us willing in the day of his power. It is an effectual call from self and earth to God, and Christ, and heaven, as our end - from sin and vanity to grace, and holiness, and seriousness as our way. This is the gospel call. Them he called, that the purpose of God, according to election, might stand: we are called to that to which we were chosen. So that the only way to make our election sure is to make sure our calling, Pe2 1:10. III. Whom he called those he also justified. All that are effectually called are justified, absolved from guilt, and accepted as righteous through Jesus Christ. They are recti in curia - right in court; no sin that ever they have been guilty of shall come against them, to condemn them. The book is crossed, the bond cancelled, the judgment vacated, the attainder reversed; and they are no longer dealt with as criminals, but owned and loved as friends and favourites. Blessed is the man whose iniquity is thus forgiven. None are thus justified but those that are effectually called. Those that stand it out against the gospel call abide under guilt and wrath. IV. Whom he justified those he also glorified. The power of corruption being broken in effectual calling, and the guilt of sin removed in justification, all that which hinders is taken out of the way, and nothing can come between that soul and glory. Observe, It is spoken of as a thing done: He glorified, because of the certainty of it; he hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling. In the eternal glorification of all the elect, God's design of love has its full accomplishment. This was what he aimed at all along - to bring them to heaven. Nothing less than that glory would make up the fulness of his covenant relation to them as God; and therefore, in all he does for them, and in them, he has this in his eye. Are they chosen? It is to salvation. Called? It is to his kingdom and glory. Begotten again? It is to an inheritance incorruptible. Afflicted: It is to work for them this exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Observe, The author of all these is the same. It is God himself that predestinated, calleth, justifieth, glorifieth; so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange God with him. Created wills are so very fickle, and created powers so very feeble, that, if any of these did depend upon the creature, the whole would shake. But God himself hath undertaken the doing of it from first to last, that we might abide in a constant dependence upon him and subjection to him, and ascribe all the praise to him - that every crown may be cast before the throne. This is a mighty encouragement to our faith and hope; for, as for God, his way, his work, is perfect. He that hath laid the foundation will build upon it, and the top-stone will at length be brought forth with shoutings, and it will be our eternal work to cry, Grace, grace to it.
Romans 8:29
God Works in All Things
28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.29For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Chosen to Be Holy
By Alan Redpath30K56:01ROM 7:24ROM 8:291CO 1:30EPH 1:4EPH 5:18HEB 12:141PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost importance, surpassing any other conventions happening in Dallas. The speaker also discusses the three possible outcomes for the world: the immediate return of Jesus Christ, the absolute destruction of civilization, or the continuation of the current state. The main focus of the sermon shifts to the experience of the fullness of the Holy Spirit, with the speaker introducing the theme for the day and laying a foundation for further discussion. He references Ephesians 1:4 and emphasizes the need for continuous blessings and transformation in the believer's life. The speaker also addresses the issue of rationalizing sin and the importance of recognizing and overcoming personal weaknesses. He concludes by highlighting the spiritual warfare that the Church faces and the need for the power of the Holy Spirit to effectively reach and transform lives.
2006 Heart-Cry - Journal Reading and Message
By Paul Washer14K58:20Living By FaithPSA 34:10JER 29:13MAT 7:7ROM 8:291CO 2:9HEB 11:6JAS 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goodness of God and His plans for believers. He encourages young men to seek and avail themselves of God's promises through prayer and perseverance. The speaker shares a personal testimony of wrestling with a particular issue for many years and experiencing a breakthrough through prayer. He also highlights the faithfulness of God in providing for their ministry despite financial challenges. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of relying on God alone and the abundance of promises in the Bible for believers.
Women That Make a Difference
By Elisabeth Elliot8.7K39:43WomenMAT 6:33MRK 16:15ROM 8:292CO 4:72CO 4:11PHP 3:10REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and responsibilities of being a mother. She shares anecdotes of her own experiences, highlighting the constant demands and interruptions that come with motherhood. Despite the difficulties, she emphasizes that God has called all of us to share in the work of redemption and that we are not qualified in ourselves. The speaker also encourages listeners to trust in God's plan, even when they cannot see how certain situations could possibly be for their good. She concludes by mentioning a letter she received from someone who wanted to hear about how God met her through a time of heartache in South America.
The Cost of Declaring His Glory
By Helen Roseveare6.3K24:27PSA 22:1ISA 11:1ISA 49:2MAT 6:33ROM 8:29EPH 2:10PHP 3:10In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing persecution and suffering for their faith. They describe a brutal attack on their home by cruel men during a rebellion. The speaker recounts being physically assaulted, with their glasses broken and teeth shattered. Despite the intense pain and fear, the speaker reflects on the privilege of being identified with Jesus and the realization that their sufferings are actually the sufferings of Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to God and being willing to endure any cost for the sake of the gospel.
Gathering in Jesus Name (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen5.3K1:00:27PRO 4:18DAN 4:33LUK 12:13ROM 8:29GAL 5:17PHP 3:132TI 1:6HEB 12:1REV 3:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual progress and becoming more like Jesus Christ each year. It highlights the need to forget past accomplishments and focus on continuous growth in humility, service, and freedom from worldly desires. The key is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His fire to burn up all fleshly desires and to make our lives brighter and brighter like the light of dawn.
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Examples of Christ's Humility
By Zac Poonen4.3K1:05:14Law Of The Holy SpiritMAT 12:22ROM 2:11ROM 8:2ROM 8:29ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly following Jesus and understanding the way he walked. He points out that conflicts in homes between spouses who claim to follow Jesus may arise because both are unwilling to die to themselves. The speaker uses an illustration of neighbors fighting every morning and highlights the significance of inner transformation rather than external rules and regulations. He also warns against the influence of false information from various sources and encourages listeners to seek the truth from God's Word.
Dvd 07 - Growing Unto Sonship
By Art Katz3.9K1:32:53MRK 7:32LUK 4:28ROM 8:29PHP 2:5HEB 5:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and growth in grace through moral choices and obedience to God. It highlights the pattern of Jesus as a son who laid aside his deity to walk in obedience, displaying supernatural powers through the grace of the Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges faced in obedience, urging listeners to embrace moral crises and communion with God for character formation.
Sons and Daughters of God
By Art Katz3.8K57:17SonshipMAT 6:33ROM 1:4ROM 8:14ROM 8:17ROM 8:29In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impending collapse of present civilization and the chaos that is taking place in the world. They emphasize the importance of priestly ministers who can provide guidance and peace in the midst of distress. The speaker also talks about the process of forsaking earthly things and the pain that comes with it. They reference verses from the Bible, including Romans 8, to highlight the role of the Spirit of God and the suffering that believers may experience.
Poverty of Spirit
By Paul Washer3.6K1:03:11MAT 5:3ROM 8:29HEB 1:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of not only seeking and proclaiming the truth, but also experiencing a personal relationship with God. He emphasizes that Christianity is not just an intellectual pursuit, but a religion of experiencing God's life and power. The speaker describes the ecstatic worship and joy that comes from encountering God and the constant growth in understanding His beauty and glory. He also raises the question of what true evidence of Christianity looks like and encourages believers to strive for a deeper relationship with God.
Fourfold Challenge to Holiness
By Alan Redpath3.5K32:23HolinessLEV 11:44MAT 6:33ROM 7:24ROM 8:291CO 1:30EPH 1:4HEB 12:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness in the lives of believers. He references Ephesians 1:4, which states that believers are chosen in Christ to be holy. He also discusses the resistance to holiness, using Romans 7:24 to highlight the struggle that believers face in overcoming sin. The speaker then points to 1 Corinthians 1:30, which describes Christ as the source of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He concludes by expressing his longing for a Holy Spirit revival in the church, as he believes that this is the only alternative to the ruin of Western civilization or the imminent return of Christ.
Biblical Courtship Session #5 - God's Purpose for Marriage
By Paul Washer3.3K23:24Biblical CourtshipMAT 10:30ROM 8:29ROM 12:21CO 7:172CO 3:18PHP 3:101PE 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wanting what God wants and being conformed to the image of Christ. He explains that conformity to Christ is a lifelong process that involves God's work through His Spirit and Word. The preacher also highlights God's providence in orchestrating events in our lives to conform us to Christ's image. He uses the example of a young man who is called to preach but also has a woman in his life, emphasizing the cost and beauty of conforming to Christ. Additionally, the preacher discusses the need to protect children's innocence and allow them to be children, as well as the purpose of marriage in serving and caring for one another. The sermon concludes by mentioning the importance of preparing oneself to be a godly husband and father and the call for all believers to minister in Christ's name for the advancement of His kingdom.
Portraits of Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon3.1K44:19MAT 16:24ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 6:14PHP 3:10COL 3:101JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being conformed to the image of Christ. He highlights that Christ's nature and character should be reflected in the lives of believers. The preacher also emphasizes the significance of Christ's cross, stating that it is inseparable from understanding who Christ is. He encourages Christians to bear their own crosses and follow Christ's example. The sermon concludes with the preacher discussing the ultimate reward for believers who are conformed to Christ's image, including sitting at his right hand and receiving the Father's approval and delight.
The In-Filling and Power of the Holy Spirit
By Keith Daniel2.7K1:40:05ROM 8:29
This sermon addresses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the church, emphasizing the need to focus on glorifying Christ rather than solely on spiritual gifts. It highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting believers of sin and leading them to repentance, urging caution and discernment in confronting others about their sins. The speaker expresses concern about how music in churches can impact the spiritual atmosphere and hinder God's work, calling for a return to a focus on Christ and His gospel.
In the Image of God
By Keith Daniel2.5K1:16:31Image Of GodGEN 1:26PSA 119:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:292CO 3:18HEB 12:141PE 1:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man named Ellis Govan who had a life-changing encounter with a Christlike man named Will McFarlane. Despite initially feeling angry and resistant towards McFarlane, Govan's heart melted as he observed McFarlane's Christlike character and heard him speak. This encounter led Govan to cry out to God to make him holy, as he realized that holiness was attainable even for a young man. The speaker emphasizes the impact of a Christlike life, stating that it is the greatest message God has on earth and that it can deeply affect and transform others.
Godliness in the Home
By Keith Daniel2.5K1:26:53FamilyGEN 2:24MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 8:291CO 6:172CO 6:14EPH 5:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of clear guidance for young people in these end times. He expresses a deep desire for God to visit and meet the needs of every individual, regardless of age or spiritual state. The preacher prays for the presence and voice of God to be equally experienced by all, and for hearts to be washed in the blood of Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. The sermon then focuses on a passage from Ephesians 5, highlighting the concept of two becoming one in marriage and drawing a parallel to Christ and the Church being one.
Road to Reality - When We Have Failed, What Next? - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.5K25:58FailureMAT 16:24MRK 8:35JHN 20:21ACT 17:6ROM 8:291CO 9:22GAL 2:20In this sermon, K. P. Johannon discusses the importance of being concerned for the lost world and sharing the message of Jesus. He emphasizes that the greatest enemy is not the devil, but our own self-centeredness, and that Jesus came to set us free from this. Johannon shares the story of Adoniram Judson, a missionary who faced immense hardships and loss, yet remained committed to his work of translating the Bible and preaching in a hostile Buddhist land. The sermon encourages listeners to persevere in their faith and continue sharing the gospel, even in the face of failure and adversity.
Winning God's Approval - Part 5
By Zac Poonen2.2K49:30Pursuing God's ApprovalSpiritual GrowthApprovalROM 8:29HEB 12:1Zac Poonen emphasizes that the Christian life is a race towards becoming more like Jesus, highlighting the importance of moving beyond just being saved to actively pursuing spiritual growth. He explains that while many Christians are content with their salvation, they must strive to win God's approval by embodying Christ-like qualities and making choices that reflect their faith. Poonen illustrates this through the life of Moses, who, despite his mistakes, demonstrated a passion for knowing God and a commitment to His ways. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing that true eternal life is about knowing Him more intimately. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a balance between understanding salvation and actively running the race of faith.
Conviction and Condemnation - Part 1
By Michael L. Brown2.2K45:20CondemnationROM 8:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's posture towards believers. He explains that God desires to bless his children and wants them to live a righteous life. The preacher also mentions the process of transformation through the blood of Jesus, where believers are changed from death to life and from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of God. The sermon highlights the intensity of emotions and the conviction experienced during a revival season.
His Chosen People
By J. Sidlow Baxter2.1K52:32Chosen PeopleMAT 7:13MAT 23:5ROM 8:29EPH 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to Christ after conversion. They encourage the audience to yield their souls, bodies, minds, and brains to Jesus in a careful and unemotional manner. The speaker highlights the power of God's love to cleanse, fill, renew, and sanctify believers. They also discuss the concept of divine election in Christ, using the Greek language to explain its meaning and significance. The sermon concludes with an exploration of the verb "hath elected" and its profound implications.
Abandoning Ourselves
By Robert B. Thompson2.0K1:17:57ISA 66:6ROM 8:292CO 6:14JAS 5:171JN 3:14In this sermon, the preacher uses the illustration of the Washington Monument to explain the difference between fear and reverence. He emphasizes that we should not purify ourselves out of reverence for God, but out of fear, just like Noah feared God. The preacher then talks about the importance of making a decision to abandon oneself to God and His program, as this is necessary to have the strength to save oneself and others in the last days. He also highlights the significance of the day of the Lord and how it demands a response from us, stating that it will not be business as usual until the Lord comes. The preacher concludes by discussing the criteria for eternal life, emphasizing that loving the brothers is a key indicator, while murder and failure to crucify the sinful nature disqualify one from belonging to Christ.
Until Christ if Formed in You
By J. Glyn Owen2.0K45:41Christ LikenessISA 53:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 4:19EPH 4:13COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God and the presence of Jesus in various biblical stories. He explains that the power of God enabled Moses to lead the Israelites through the desert and provided for their needs. He also mentions the story of the three friends of Daniel who were protected by a fourth person in the fiery furnace. The preacher highlights the importance of having the spirit of God within oneself, which brings joy and peace. He concludes by urging believers to surrender to the lordship of Christ and allow him to rule over every aspect of their lives.
A Faith Never Forgotten
By David Roper1.9K39:25ROM 8:29EPH 1:6PHP 1:62PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher talks about the struggle between the influence of sin and the desire to follow God. He uses the metaphor of a young man being tempted by a lizard, representing sin, and a light one, representing God's truth. The young man eventually gives up his sin and experiences transformation. The preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's authority and the need for self-control in order to resist temptation. He also discusses the idea that difficult experiences in life are part of God's plan to shape and mold us into the character of Jesus Christ.
The Only Thing
By Sandeep Poonen1.8K51:28MAT 13:45LUK 9:23LUK 14:33JHN 3:30JHN 16:13ACT 2:38ROM 8:29PHP 3:8JAS 4:4REV 2:4This sermon emphasizes the need to make Jesus the only thing that matters in our lives, not just a great thing or the main thing. It challenges listeners to seek a deep immersion in the Holy Spirit, count the cost of discipleship, and earnestly seek fellowship with those who desire only Jesus. The speaker shares personal reflections on the journey of making Jesus the sole focus amidst the distractions and idols of the world.
The Spiritual & Natural Man - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K36:36Natural ManMAT 6:33LUK 1:26ROM 8:291CO 2:142CO 3:18The sermon transcript discusses the great wisdom and sovereignty of God and how it all begins with a fourfold portrait of man. The speaker emphasizes that the Christian life starts with a supernatural act, a miracle, which is being born again. The difficulty of consecutive meetings is acknowledged, as new people join each time. The speaker highlights the importance of understanding the New Testament in the light of bringing Christ into view and showing the transforming work of believers. The passage from 1 Corinthians 2:14 is mentioned, emphasizing the contrast between the natural man and the things of the Spirit of God. The speaker also mentions the alternative humanities or mankind, one created by Satan and the other by God. The transcript references the four gospels as a magnificent presentation of Christ and explains how Satan changed the humanity of man through Adam, producing a race after his own mind. The sermon emphasizes the need to comprehend the significance of these teachings in the New Testament.
The Controversy of Zion
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K1:19:06ZionPSA 2:6ISA 30:8ISA 32:10ACT 4:25ROM 8:19ROM 8:29HEB 12:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the battle between the forces of evil and the church, represented by Zion. The church is called and chosen by God for a specific vocation and testimony in the world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, as the spirits of division are at work. The sermon references the second Psalm, highlighting the opposition faced by the church and the intervention of God in their battles.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For whom he did foreknow, etc. - "In this and the following verse the apostle shows how our calling is an argument that all things work together to advance our eternal happiness, by showing the several steps which the wisdom and goodness of God have settled, in order to complete our salvation. In order to this he first gives us, in this verse, the foundation and finishing, or the beginning and end, of the scheme of our redemption: For whom God did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. To foreknow, here signifies to design before, or at the first forming of the scheme; to bestow the favor and privilege of being God's people upon any set of men, Rom 11:2. This is the foundation or first step of our salvation; namely, the purpose and grace of God, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began, Ti2 1:9. Then, he knew or favored us; for in this sense the word to know is taken in a great variety of places, both in the Old and New Testaments. And as he knew the Gentiles then, when the scheme was laid, and before any part of it was executed, consequently, in reference to the execution of this scheme, he foreknew us. This is the first step of our salvation, and the end or finishing of it is our conformity to the Son of God in eternal glory, Rom 8:17, which includes and supposes our moral conformity to him. When God knew us, at the forming of the Gospel scheme; or, when he intended to bestow on us the privilege of being his people; he then destinated or designed us to be conformed to the image of his Son; and, as he destinated or determined us then to this very high honor and happiness, he pre-destinated, fore-ordained, or pre-determined us to it. Thus we are to understand the foundation and finishing of the scheme of our salvation. The foundation is the foreknowledge, or gracious purpose of God; the finishing is our being joint heirs with Christ. Now, our calling or invitation (see on Rom 8:28 (note)) stands in connection with both these. 1. It stands in connection with God's foreknowledge; and so it is a true and valid calling: for we are called, invited, or chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, who may bestow his blessings upon any people, as may seem good in his sight, Pe1 1:2; consequently, we have a good title to the blessings of the Gospel to which we are called or invited. And this was to be proved, that the Jew, to whom the apostle particularly wrote, might see that the Gentiles being now called into the Church of God was not an accidental thing, but a matter which God had determined when he conceived the Gospel scheme. Thus our calling is connected with God's foreknowledge. 2. It stands also in connection with our being conformed to the image of his Son; for we are invited by the Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, Th2 2:14. And therefore, supposing, what the apostle supposes, that we love God, it is certain, from our being called, that we shall be glorified with the sons of God; and so our calling proves the point, that all things should work together for our good in our present state, because it proves that we are intended for eternal glory; as he shows in the next verse. For we must understand his foreknowing, predestinating, calling, and justifying, in relation to his glorifying; and that none are finally glorified, but those who, according to his purpose, are conformed to the image of his Son." Taylor. The first-born among many brethren - That he might be the chief or head of all the redeemed; for His human nature is the first fruits of the resurrection from the dead; and He is the first human being that, after having passed through death, was raised to eternal glory. See Dr. Taylor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--as touching this "calling according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28). whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate--foreordain. In what sense are we to take the word "foreknow" here? "Those who He foreknew would repent and believe," say Pelagians of every age and every hue. But this is to thrust into the text what is contrary to the whole spirit, and even letter, of the apostle's teaching (see Rom 9:11; Ti2 1:9). In Rom 11:2, and Psa 1:6, God's "knowledge" of His people cannot be restricted to a mere foresight of future events, or acquaintance with what is passing here below. Does "whom He did foreknow," then, mean "whom He foreordained?" Scarcely, because both "foreknowledge" and "foreordination" are here mentioned, and the one as the cause of the other. It is difficult indeed for our limited minds to distinguish them as states of the Divine Mind towards men; especially since in Act 2:23 "the counsel" is put before "the foreknowledge of God," while in Pe1 1:2 "election" is said to be "according to the foreknowledge of God." But probably God's foreknowledge of His own people means His "peculiar, gracious, complacency in them," while His "predestinating" or "foreordaining" them signifies His fixed purpose, flowing from this, to "save them and call them with an holy calling" (Ti2 1:9). to be conformed to the image of his Son--that is, to be His sons after the pattern, model, or image of His Sonship in our nature. that he might be the first-born among many brethren--"The First-born," the Son by nature; His "many brethren," sons by adoption: He, in the Humanity of the Only-begotten of the Father, bearing our sins on the accursed tree; they in that of mere men ready to perish by reason of sin, but redeemed by His blood from condemnation and wrath, and transformed into His likeness: He "the First-born from the dead"; they "that sleep in Jesus," to be in due time "brought with Him"; "The First-born," now "crowned with glory and honor"; His "many brethren," "when He shall appear, to be like Him, for they shall see Him as He is."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For whom he did foreknow,.... The foreknowledge of God here, does not intend his prescience of all things future; by which he foreknows and foretells things to come, and which distinguishes him from all other gods; and is so called, not with respect to himself, with whom all things are present, but with respect to us, and which is eternal, universal, certain, and infallible; for in this sense he foreknows all men, and if this was the meaning here, then all men would be predestinated, conformed to the image of Christ, called by grace, justified and glorified; whereas they are a special people, whom God has foreknown: nor is this foreknowledge to be understood of any provision or foresight of the good works, holiness, faith, and perseverance of men therein, upon which God predestinates them to happiness; since this would make something out of God, and not his good pleasure, the cause of predestination; which was done before, and without any consideration of good or evil, and is entirely owing to the free grace of God, and is the ground and foundation of good works, faith, holiness, and perseverance in them: but this regards the everlasting love of God to his own people, his delight in them, and approbation of them; in this sense he knew them, he foreknew them from everlasting, affectionately loved them, and took infinite delight and pleasure in them; and this is the foundation of their predestination and election, of their conformity to Christ, of their calling, justification, and glorification: for these he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son; having perfect, distinct, special knowledge of them, joined with love to them, he predetermined, or fore-appointed them in his eternal mind, in his everlasting and unchangeable purposes and decrees to this end, conformity to the image of Christ; which is not to be understood of the Spirit of Christ: God's elect indeed are chosen to be holy, and through sanctification of the Spirit, but are never said to be conformed, made like to the Spirit, nor is the Spirit ever called the image of Christ; but this designs either likeness to Christ as the Son of God, or conformity to him in his human nature. There is indeed a great disparity between the sonship of Christ, and of the saints; he is the eternal and natural Son of God, he is the one and only begotten Son, they are adopted ones, yet in some things there is a likeness; as he is the Son of God, so are they the sons of God, though not in the same sense; as he is a beloved Son, so are they; as he is the firstborn with respect them, they are the firstborn with respect to angels; as he has an inheritance, so have they; moreover, he has a very great concern in their sonship; the predestination of them to it is by him; the blessing itself is founded on union to him, on their conjugal relation to him, and his assumption of their nature; it comes to them through his redemption, and is actually bestowed on them by him; and this conformity to Christ as sons, will mere fully appear hereafter, when they shall be like him, and see him as he is: or this may be understood of the saints' conformity to Christ in his human nature, both here and hereafter: here in holiness; the image of God was in in his first creation, this is defaced by sin; and in regeneration, the image of Christ is stamped, his grace is wrought in them, his Spirit is put into them, to enable them to walk in him, and after him: this will be complete hereafter, and will consist in perfect holiness, being freed from the very being, as well as the power and guilt of sin; in perfect knowledge of everything that will tend to their happiness; and in glory like to Christ, both in soul and body: that he might be the firstborn among many brethren; the persons among whom Christ is the firstborn are described by their relation, "brethren"; to one another, being related to the same Father, regenerated by the same grace, taken into the same family, and heirs of the same glory; and to Christ, which relation, as brethren to him, is not merely founded on his incarnation, but in their adoption; and which is evidenced by their regeneration, and doing the will of his Father; an which relation he owns, and is not ashamed of: they are also described by their number, "many"; for though they are but few, when compared with the world; yet they are many, a large number, considered by themselves; and among these, Christ is the "firstborn"; he is the firstborn of God, the begotten of the Father, he is the first begotten, and as such he is the only begotten; he is the firstborn of Mary, she had none before him, and he is the only one that ever was born in the manner he was; he is the first begotten from the dead, his resurrection is called a begetting, and he was the first in time that rose from the dead by his own power, and to an immortal life, and the first in causality and dignity. Christ is the firstborn with respect to all creatures in general; he was begotten of the Father before all creatures were; he is the first cause of them all, the governor, basis, and support of them: and he is the firstborn with respect to the saints; who are of the same nature with him, are made partakers of the divine nature, are sons in the same family, though not in the same class of sonship: moreover, this character may regard not so much birth as privilege which belongs to Christ as Mediator; who, as the firstborn had, has the blessing, the government, the priesthood, and the inheritance; all which is owing to, and is one end of divine predestination. The Cabalistic (m) writers among the Jews give the name of "firstborn" to the second Sephira, number, or person, "Wisdom", which answers to the Son of God. (m) Vid. Cabala Denudata, par. 1. p. 200. & par. 2. p. 7.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle, having reckoned up so many ingredients of the happiness of true believers, comes here to represent the ground of them all, which he lays in predestination. These precious privileges are conveyed to us by the charter of the covenant, but they are founded in the counsel of God, which infallibly secures the event. That Jesus Christ, the purchaser, might not labour in vain, nor spend his strength and life for nought and in vain, there is a remnant given him, a seed that he shall see, so that the good pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands. For the explication of this he here sets before us the order of the causes of our salvation, a golden chain, which cannot be broken. There are four links of it: - I. Whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. All that God designed for glory and happiness as the end he decreed to grace and holiness as the way. Not, whom he did foreknow to be holy those he predestinated to be so. The counsels and decrees of God do not truckle to the frail and fickle will of men; no, God's foreknowledge of the saints is the same with that everlasting love wherewith he is said to have loved them, Jer 31:3. God's knowing his people is the same with his owning them, Psa 1:6; Joh 10:14; Ti2 2:19. See Rom 11:2. Words of knowledge often in scripture denote affection; so here: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God, Pe1 1:2. And the same word is rendered fore-ordained, Pe1 1:20. Whom he did foreknow, that is, whom he designed for his friends and favourites. I know thee by name, said God to Moses, Exo 33:12. Now those whom god thus foreknew he did predestinate to be conformed to Christ. 1. Holiness consists in our conformity to the image of Christ. This takes in the whole of sanctification, of which Christ is the great pattern and sampler. To be spirited as Christ was, to walk and live as Christ did, to bear our sufferings patiently as Christ did. Christ is the express image of his Father, and the saints are conformed to the image of Christ. Thus it is by the mediation and interposal of Christ that we have God's love restored to us and God's likeness renewed upon us, in which two things consists the happiness of man. 2. All that God hath from eternity foreknown with favour he hath predestinated to this conformity. It is not we that can conform ourselves to Christ. Our giving ourselves to Christ takes rise in God's giving us to him; and, in giving us to him, he predestinated us to be conformable to his image. It is a mere cavil therefore to call the doctrine of election a licentious doctrine, and to argue that it gives encouragement to sin, as if the end were separated from the way and happiness from holiness. None can know their election but by their conformity to the image of Christ; for all that are chosen are chosen to sanctification (Th2 2:13), and surely it cannot be a temptation to any to be conformed to the world to believe that they were predestinated to be conformed to Christ. 3. That which is herein chiefly designed is the honour of Jesus Christ, that he might be the first-born among many brethren; that is, that Christ might have the honour of being the great pattern, as well as the great prince, and in this, as in other things, might have pre-eminence. It was in the first-born that all the children were dedicated to God under the law. The first-born was the head of the family, on whom all the rest did depend: now in the family of the saints Christ must have the honour of being the first-born. And blessed be God that there are many brethren; though they seem but a few in one place at one time, yet, when they come all together, they will be a great many. There is, therefore, a certain number predestinated, that the end of Christ's undertaking might be infallibly secured. Had the event been left at uncertainties in the divine counsels, to depend upon the contingent turn of man's will, Christ might have been the first-born among but few or no brethren - a captain without soldiers and a prince without subjects - to prevent which, and to secure to him many brethren, the decree is absolute, the thing ascertained, that he might be sure to see his seed, there is a remnant predestinated to be conformed to his image, which decree will certainly have its accomplishment in the holiness and happiness of that chosen race; and so, in spite of all the opposition of the powers of darkness, Christ will be the first-born among many, very many brethren. II. Whom he did predestinate those he also called, not only with the external call (so many are called that were not chosen, Mat 20:16; Mat 22:14), but with the internal and effectual call. The former comes to the ear only, but this to the heart. All that God did from eternity predestinate to grace and glory he does, in the fulness of time, effectually call. The call is then effectual when we come at the call; and we then come at the call when the Spirit draws us, convinces the conscience of guilt and wrath, enlightens the understanding, bows the will, persuades and enables us to embrace Christ in the promises, makes us willing in the day of his power. It is an effectual call from self and earth to God, and Christ, and heaven, as our end - from sin and vanity to grace, and holiness, and seriousness as our way. This is the gospel call. Them he called, that the purpose of God, according to election, might stand: we are called to that to which we were chosen. So that the only way to make our election sure is to make sure our calling, Pe2 1:10. III. Whom he called those he also justified. All that are effectually called are justified, absolved from guilt, and accepted as righteous through Jesus Christ. They are recti in curia - right in court; no sin that ever they have been guilty of shall come against them, to condemn them. The book is crossed, the bond cancelled, the judgment vacated, the attainder reversed; and they are no longer dealt with as criminals, but owned and loved as friends and favourites. Blessed is the man whose iniquity is thus forgiven. None are thus justified but those that are effectually called. Those that stand it out against the gospel call abide under guilt and wrath. IV. Whom he justified those he also glorified. The power of corruption being broken in effectual calling, and the guilt of sin removed in justification, all that which hinders is taken out of the way, and nothing can come between that soul and glory. Observe, It is spoken of as a thing done: He glorified, because of the certainty of it; he hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling. In the eternal glorification of all the elect, God's design of love has its full accomplishment. This was what he aimed at all along - to bring them to heaven. Nothing less than that glory would make up the fulness of his covenant relation to them as God; and therefore, in all he does for them, and in them, he has this in his eye. Are they chosen? It is to salvation. Called? It is to his kingdom and glory. Begotten again? It is to an inheritance incorruptible. Afflicted: It is to work for them this exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Observe, The author of all these is the same. It is God himself that predestinated, calleth, justifieth, glorifieth; so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange God with him. Created wills are so very fickle, and created powers so very feeble, that, if any of these did depend upon the creature, the whole would shake. But God himself hath undertaken the doing of it from first to last, that we might abide in a constant dependence upon him and subjection to him, and ascribe all the praise to him - that every crown may be cast before the throne. This is a mighty encouragement to our faith and hope; for, as for God, his way, his work, is perfect. He that hath laid the foundation will build upon it, and the top-stone will at length be brought forth with shoutings, and it will be our eternal work to cry, Grace, grace to it.