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Predestined according to Foreknowledge - Romans 8:18-30

Predestined according to Foreknowledge

(*Note: These quick notes on Romans 8:18-30 were for content helps for a youth meeting on that section when I wasn't going to be leading. This was not for a message, but just to gain the structure and concepts so you don't get lost in the weeds while reading and meditating on this glorious passage.) 

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18-30‬ ‭ESV‬‬

https://www.bible.com/59/rom.8.18-30.esv



... for those who are called according to his purpose. 

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined 

to be conformed to the image of his Son, 

in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 

And those whom he predestined he also called, 

and those whom he called he also justified, 

and those whom he justified he also glorified.


His purpose = to be conformed to the image of His Son


Order of events:

  1. God has a purpose which is to conform us to the image of His Son.

  2. God foreknew people and their decisions before they were created

  3. God predestined those He foreknew would respond

  4. God called those he had predestined during their lifetimes

  5. God justified those he had called after they responded to that call

  6. God glorified those he had justified by fact in Christ and by experience as it works out in time. 

  7. Once all are glorified in experience, God’s purpose is done since we are conformed to Christ. 


Notice that to be glorified has already happened. This is true in Christ, who you are in Christ. But our full salvation (not just from hell but from all corruption) is still being worked out. Though we are justified in the past, we live more and more just as we mature. And though God has sanctified us in Christ (set us apart for himself), we are sanctified today when we set ourselves apart to stop sinning and walk with Him. Though we are glorified in Christ, we are being changed “from glory to glory” as Christ lives in us more and more--as He increases and we decrease. 


About foreknowledge and predestination:

Just because God foreknew us does not mean that He forced any decisions. And just because He predestined us according to His foreknowledge does not decrease the power of the destiny we are destined for. He destined us before we were born = predestined. He has made arrangements for us our whole lives for His purpose. 


Does this mean that those who would not believe have no option?

No. He “is Savior to all men, especially those who believe.” Salvation is provided, and opportunities are provided. Though God knows our choices ahead of time, that does not mean He determines our choices. We have our will, but God also has His will. Both are active at the same time. 

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