Salvation from God�s point of view

[theophilus]

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.

[Bill the Cat]

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.

If they were never saved, then there is no such thing as apostasy.

[Littlejoe]

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.

First of all, I congratulate you on your decision to accept the free gift of grace unto salvation!

However, in context, I for one do not believe that Romans 8:29,30 speaks to individual salvation. In context (indeed throughout the whole Book of Romans) the context is speaking to corporate salvation of the Gentiles along with the Jews, (who were "Gods Chosen People") Romans 8:29,30 lets us know that as the Church, we gentiles are also rightful heirs of God and will be transformed into the Likeness of Christ.

[37818]

First of all, I congratulate you on your decision to accept the free gift of grace unto salvation!

However, in context, I for one do not believe that Romans 8:29,30 speaks to individual salvation. In context (indeed throughout the whole Book of Romans) the context is speaking to corporate salvation of the Gentiles along with the Jews, (who were "Gods Chosen People") Romans 8:29,30 lets us know that as the Church, we gentiles are also rightful heirs of God and will be transformed into the Likeness of Christ.

You believe incorrectly about Romans 8:29, 30. Let's look at it:

Beginning with verse 28, ". . . we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. . . ."

. . . called according to [His] purpose. . . . The calling is God's choice.

Verse 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. . . ."

Now "whom" is the group and "foreknow" is the individual [third person singular] in that group.

[I am neither Arminian or Calvinist, my view is more Calvinistic though.] Foreknow refers to God's relationship with the individual. For those who have not yet accepted Christ as Savior this is yet future for them. [BTW God's foreknowledge is through the sanctification work of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13. ]

The purpose of God predestinating the individual for what is stated, to be conformed to the image of His Son. Again "predestinate" is in the third person singular. This sets what God is going to do according to His purpose, as just explained in the text (v.28). So the following things which take place in the group is a sure thing for each individual in the group, from God's point of view.

Verse 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. . . ." Again "them" the group, and what is sure from God's view upon the individual.

. . . called . . . is third person singular. . . . justified . . . is third person singular. . . . glorified . . . is third person singular. None of us yet are glorified. For us it is future (Romans 8:23; 1 John 3:2). But in God's foreknowledge it is a done deal.