Daily Word

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:30. Those predestined are, in due time, “called,” or effectively summoned through the gospel into saving fellowship with Christ. Note that all those “called” are also “justified.” The call cannot refer to the outward call of the gospel that many reject. It is an inward call of God that performs what He intends. All who are predestined are called in this way. Predestination includes God’s determination that a person will receive such an effective call (that is, the “effectual call). Predestination is not based on God’s knowing beforehand how people will respond to the gospel. Just as the predestined are called, so the called are both justified and certain to be finally glorified. The past tense of “glorified” indicates that from God’s standpoint the work as is good as done. He will complete it as planned. They whom God hath accepted in His beloved, effectually called, and sanctified by His Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. The regenerate are saved through persevering in faith and Christian living to the end as God preserves them. The regenerate may backslide and fall into sin. In so doing they oppose their new nature and the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin and compels them to repent and be restored to righteousness. When regenerate believers manifest a humble, grateful desire to please the God who saved them, the knowledge that He has pledged to keep them forever increases that desire.