Category Archives: Called

Bible, Called, Glorified, Justified, Predistined, Romans, Scripture

THE GOLDEN CHAIN OF SALVATION

ROMANS 8:30

“and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”

Some things are just too beautiful for mere human words. When I look at a gorgeous sunrise, I lack the right words to describe it. I could never convey the colors I see to a person without sight. How can you put into words the colors of purple, red, gold and yellow when they intermingle at sunrise or sunset? There are a few passages in Scripture where I believe the writers struggled to convey all they were hearing from the Spirit.

Paul, I believe, was overwhelmed with the magnificence of these words in today’s verse. You need to go back and read verses 28 and 29 to get a running start today.

“28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters;”

And then we come to today’s verse that has been called the “Golden Chain of Salvation” by some. What is Paul trying to tell us in these beautiful words?

APPLICATION

The Cambridge Bible states, “So indissoluble is the chain that the last link (glorified) is here viewed as an accomplished fact because the first links (predestined, called, justified) are so.” Paul writes something similar in Ephesians 2:4-6. “4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Wow! God sees us already there.

As I wrote in yesterday’s blog, this is not a discussion about predestination. I know everyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior are predestined and called and justified and glorified. Why do I know that? Because He said so. It’s really that simple. I do not have to understand all the eschatological ramifications. I just believe because it’s written in His Word. Everyone needs a Savior. He is available to everyone. (John 3:16; Romans 10:13)

Do you see yourself glorified? You should if God does. He doesn’t say things like that just to say it. If He says it, it is true. Accept it. Live like it. You were predestined to be conformed in the image of His Son. You are called to Him. You believe you have been justified. So, believe that last “link in the chain.” You are glorified! Hallelujah! Praise His name.

Father, I will believe You see me as gloried. Help me today to walk glorified.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Called, Calling, Circumstances, Good, Names, Romans, Scripture

SOME CONDITIONS FOR GOD’S CARE

ROMANS 8:28

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Today’s verse is probably one of the most recognizable verses in the book of Romans. But it is probably also one of the most misunderstood ones. It is true that God cares for everyone, even the vilest person alive. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for every person. But God will not and, because He is a just and holy God, cannot bless those who are not following Him. It goes against His nature.

Paul says two things in today’s verse which clarify His care. He does cause “all things to work together for good” to 1) those who love God and 2) those who are called according to His purpose. You really can’t make that any clearer. God puts some conditions down for His blessings. If you love God and have responded to His calling on your life, He will be there through thick and thin. You are His. That’s just the truth.

APPLICATION

So, how do you live with this truth? You have to believe, first of all, that God desires good in your life. Carl, you don’t know what I’ve been through. How could God make anything good out of this? Short answer – I don’t know. But God does. I have to believe that the God of the universe, Who took dirt and created man, Who made all of creation in six days, can make my circumstances into something good for my life.

Secondly, I believe if He has called me, He knows my name. Do you understand that? He knows YOUR name. He knows every freckle on your skin and every hair on your head. Because He knows you so completely, He knows exactly how to orchestrate your circumstances to turn anything you are facing into something good. You may not see that good for years, but He is faithful.

May I encourage you today to do a deep dive into this verse. Dissect it. Tear it apart. Look at what all the words really mean. Don’t just quote this verse lightly. It has such profound truths in it. Don’t use this verse to justify your bad choices and then expect God to make it good. The good may mean you have to live with some consequences in order to learn. But if you are a follower of Jesus, He does desire only good for you. Trust Him with that.

O Father, this verse is such a comfort for any who trust You with their life.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Called, Calling, Eternity, Saints, Scripture

THE CALLED OF CHRIST

ROMANS 1:6

“among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;”

I have been called a lot of things in my life. I’ve been called a boy, a son, a brother, a man, a husband, father, Papa, Poppy, Uncle, Pastor and friend. Those are a lot of titles, right? I bet if you started naming all the things you have been called, you could name a few also. But those titles used by my family mean the most (husband, father, Papa, Poppy). Certain titles mean more than others.

Paul tells us today that we are “the called of Jesus Christ.” You won’t find a better thing to be called, in this life or the one to come. Of all the titles we could have, being named among the called of Christ reigns supreme. In Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, he says this calling is “an internal special call by the grace of God;…” Without getting too deep in the doctrine of the elect, every called one of Christ is part of the elect. Christ woos us through His Holy Spirit, and when we respond in faith, He names us “the called.” Praise the Lord! 

APPLICATION

We are called other things in Christ, as well. Look in 1 Peter 2:9 where it says, “But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Peter says there that we are called four things (chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s possession). But I particularly like the last part of that verse. We have been “called…out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This calling brings me into His light.

In Revelation 17:14, John says Jesus will overcome the beast with “those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” You see, we continue to be part of the called throughout eternity. This title isn’t just for now. Once we are called “the called” we will be forever called “the called.” (Hey, that’s pretty catchy.) That is just one more confirmation of our security in Christ.

One more – we are also called “saints.” Now, I’m no saint, believe me. But according to God’s Word, I am. In the introduction of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes this in verse 2 of chapter 1. “…to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:…” Wow! “Saints by calling”! So, don’t argue with the Lord’s Word. He has called you His saints. We should do all we can to live up to that calling. Don’t you agree?

I have heard Your call, Lord, and having responded in faith, I am now a part of Your called ones.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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