How does Romans 8:30 connect with Ephesians 1:5-6 on predestination? Romans 8:30 — The Golden Chain of Salvation “ And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.” • Predestined – chosen before time began • Called – drawn effectively to faith in Christ • Justified – declared righteous through the cross • Glorified – brought into perfected glory, so certain that Paul states it in the past tense Ephesians 1:5-6 — The Purpose Behind the Plan “He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved.” • Predestined – same decisive act as Romans 8:30 • Adoption – the relational goal: being placed as sons and daughters • Good pleasure of His will – God’s initiative and delight • Praise of His glorious grace – the ultimate outcome: worship How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Same starting point • Romans: “those He predestined” • Ephesians: “He predestined us” 2. Same divine initiative • Both stress God’s will, not human merit (cf. John 1:12-13; 2 Timothy 1:9). 3. Progression toward a relational goal • Romans traces the steps to glory. • Ephesians highlights adoption—showing that glory is family likeness (cf. 1 John 3:2). 4. Resulting praise • Romans ends with glorification that magnifies God (cf. Romans 11:36). • Ephesians frames everything “to the praise of His glorious grace.” Supporting Passages That Echo the Theme • John 6:37-40 – the Father gives people to the Son; none are lost. • 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 – “God chose you… He called you” —both stages spelled out. • Acts 13:48 – “All who were appointed for eternal life believed.” • 1 Peter 1:1-5 – chosen, guarded by faith, awaiting an unfading inheritance. Why This Matters Today • Security: the same God who predestined also guarantees the finish. • Identity: adoption means we live as loved children, not spiritual orphans. • Humility: salvation is by grace from start to finish; boasting is excluded. • Worship: every link in the chain leads us to praise “His glorious grace.” |
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