29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30 KJV)
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 privileges are conveyed to us by the covenant, but founded in the counsel of God, which secures the event. That Jesus Christ, the purchaser, might not labour 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 sets before us the order of the causes of our salvation, a golden chain which cannot be broken.
Whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (Ro 8:29). All that God designed for glory and happiness as the end he decreed to grace and holiness as the way. 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 (Ps 1:6; Jn 10:14; 2Ti 2:19; Ro 11:2). Words of knowledge often in Scripture denote affection; so here: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God (1Pe 1:2). And the same word is rendered fore-ordained (1Pe 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 (Ex 33:12).
Those whom God thus foreknew he predestinated to be conformed to Christ. Holiness consists in this conformity to the image of Christ, which takes in the whole of sanctification. To be spirited as Christ was, to walk and live as Christ did, to bear sufferings as Christ did. Christ is the express image of his Father, and the saints are conformed to Christ. Thus, by his mediation, we have God’s love restored and his likeness renewed, in which consists the happiness of man.
All that God has from eternity foreknown with favour he has predestinated to this conformity. Our giving ourselves to Christ takes rise in God’s giving us to him, and in that he predestinated us to be conformed to his image. None can know their election but by their conformity to Christ; for all that are chosen are chosen to sanctification (2Th 2:13). Surely it cannot be a temptation to sin to believe that we were predestinated to holiness.
This is chiefly designed for the honour of Jesus Christ, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. He is the great pattern and the great prince, and in all things must have the pre-eminence. The first-born was the head of the family; so in the family of the saints Christ must have the honour. Blessed be God there are many brethren; though few in one place at one time, yet altogether a great number. To secure to Christ many brethren, the decree is absolute, that he might be sure to see his seed. In spite of all opposition, Christ will be the first-born among many, very many brethren.
Whom he predestinated, those he also called (Ro 8:30), not only with the external call (many are called but few chosen, Mt 20:16; Mt 22:14), but with the internal and effectual call, which comes to the heart. All whom God predestinated he effectually calls, convincing the conscience, enlightening the understanding, bowing the will, and enabling us to embrace Christ. It is an effectual call from self and sin to God and holiness. Give diligence to make your calling and election sure (2Pe 1:10).
Whom he called, those he also justified. All that are effectually called are absolved from guilt and accepted as righteous through Christ. Blessed is the man whose iniquity is forgiven (Ps 32:2). None are justified but those that are effectually called; those that resist the gospel call abide under guilt and wrath.
Whom he justified, those he also glorified. The breaking of sin’s power in calling and the removal of guilt in justification take out all that hinders, so nothing can come between the soul and glory. It is spoken of as a thing done: He glorified—because of the certainty of it. In the glorification of the elect, God’s design of love has its full accomplishment. 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 a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
The author of all these is the same God. He predestinated, called, justified, glorified; so the Lord alone did lead them, and there was no strange god with him (Deu 32:12). If any of these depended upon the creature, the whole would fail. But God has undertaken the work from first to last, that we might depend upon him and give him the praise. This is a mighty encouragement to our faith and hope; for as for God, his way is perfect. He that laid the foundation will also bring forth the top-stone with shoutings, and our eternal song will be, Grace, grace unto it (Zec 4:7).