At a Bible Study, we read Romans 8, and in particular these verses:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 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. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.So a friend emailed me:
How do I ever know if I am one of those God "foreknew?" Suggest some reading for me please.Can you help her?
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4 comments:
They could just contemplate a good old Puritan syllogism.
Premise 1. Only those foreknown and called by God can come to Christ and put their trust in Him. (see John 3:5-8 and 6:37-40)
Premise 2. I trust in Christ.
Conclusion. I am foreknown and called by God.
Is it right to say that even in Rom 8 the answer is the Spirit by which we are sons and by which we call Him father?
Sonship is proved not by physical decent but by behaviour. Jesus is proved God's son by doing what his Father was doing. The Jewish authorities showed themselves to be illegitimate sons, and in fact, sons of the devil, but their opposition to the work of the Father (eg John 8 cf. John 1:10-13).
The Spirit filled person demonstrates to themselves and others the indwelling of the spirit by a life lived in obedience to Christ's lordship.
In practice this we may feel like we sin more than we did before. I take this as evidence of a changed heart.
Previously we we did not accept God's word on sin. Now our consciences, being lead by the spirit, are troubled and we will seek to put those things to death.
As we put to death the 'misdeeds of the body' we are experiencing Christ's transforming work in us by his word and his Spirit.
Along with this, we should recognize a danger in saying, "I decided 5 years ago to follow Jesus" and forgetting to say, "Today I follow Jesus". Deuteronomy is a good book to study and look into the New Testament with on this subject.
I heard a good sermon by John Piper recently, he said that 1John was written to answer this question. So she could read 1John.
Every time you receive Communion you confirm your status. Every time you confess the Creed you confirm your status. Say your prayers and you know you are saved to paraphrase Luther.
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