Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.(NIV)
The discussion about predestination can be confusing to those who do not understand the true meaning of predestination in connection with your walk with God. The Apostle Paul was an educated man and a deep thinker. He had a wonderful revelation about God and completely understood the place of the believer in God's Plan. Look at verse 29 above. For those God foreknew...
Take a moment to check out the dictionary definition of the word, foreknew. Basically, the word is the past tense of the verb foreknow. It means to be aware of (an event) before it happens.
Understand this, God lives in Eternity. That means that God exists at both ends of the time line at the same time. He is the Alpha and Omega, Rev. 1:8 I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
When God told Moses in Exodus 3 to speak to Pharaoh, Moses wanted to know God's name. God told him, I AM who I AM. The reason for this is simple. God always exists in the present. This is hard for people like us who are limited by time constraints.
But...here is the kicker...because God always exists in the present He knew from the very beginning who would make a commitment and would keep that commitment to serve him to the very end.
Because God knew from the very beginning who would finish the race, he predestined these people, he justified these people, and glorified these people.
We, on the other hand, do NOT live in eternity as yet. We do not know who was predestined, or glorified, or justified. This race is not over until the very end. You must keep the faith and keep up the fight until the Lord returns or calls you home. That does not mean you have to live in fear, but you do have to commit your way to the Lord and do your very best to live holy every day of your life. God knows you or I make mistakes. However, if we continue to make the exact same mistake it becomes a lifestyle choice. Do not lie to yourself or try to fool yourself.
Galatians 6: 6-9
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. NKJV
Blessings!
