Predestined to Be Conformed

Romans:
Bad News, Good News, Ongoing struggle, Certain Victory ...
Last week - "all things => good" - Paul is adamant about this.
Now - heading into deep water!
Rom. 8:28-30

The big question here?  Predestination
by definition = pre-determined, fore ordained, decided ahead of time.

In theology  (1)  God is all knowing  therefore  For Knowing  (knows everything that will happen
                   (2)  God is Sovereign therefore in control of all things.
So...           (3) how much of man's life does He Pre-determine?
especially    (4)  concerning Salvation!!??  Eph. 1:4-5, 11

This = (1) ancient question - precedes Paul, precedes Christ.  Example:  Josephus had same questions
 with   (2) many views

Quote:  "a mystery Paul presents with no attempt to explain"

Pastor's view:  on one hand, the serious Bible student must wrestle with this question
However, it appears to be beyond resolution in this life.

But here  (in our text) = "pre-destined to be conformed" - Rom. 8:29 - is not about predestination to salvation.

The apparent order in this:  (Individual application - concerning you!!)
A.  IF drawn ... then called!!
If you sensed the tug, pull, draw, invitation to come .. then you are called .... By God TO Himself!
which = called to Repent, cross (the bridge), salvation, etc.....

IF called ... then chosen - He CHOSE you!!!
Obviously chosen!! selected!!  "THE ELECT"
regardless of your view of Pre-destination, this = Great Honor!!  (Compare to being selected, invited to an elite team)

IF chosen.... then ???  tension part of the issue.  ie:  do you choose to cross?  can you refuse to cross?

IF crossed .... then will be justified
which includes forgiveness, reconciliation, adoption, etc.
("if justified, also glorified"  ?)  future act in present tense!!

IF Justified ... then predestined (to be conformed to the image of His Son)

This is called Sanctification - you will be made holy.

(1)  It is a process  (not an event)
= process of being made holy, of being made like Jesus!!  (contrast positional and practical) Positional = what you have, practical = how you act.
God will use "all things" (Rom. 8:28) to accomplish this!

(2) It is a cooperative effort
Obviously, it won't happen apart from GOD working in/on you!!
However, it includes your cooperation, your efforts - 2 Pet. 1:3-7   You have a part in this.

(3)  It includes the whole man
outwardly ... then!!  1 John 3:2
inwardly ... NOW!!  heart, mind, character => actions!!

(4)  It is a life-long process
Example:  Abraham @114 years of age - got test regarding Isaac

(5)  it may be an eternal process

All this brings us to Paul's 4 questions for the believer:

Rom. 8:31 - Who can stand against you?  or "what"?
On one hand, it may be powerful and consequential.  People will stand against you!! Example:  martyrs
However, it is ultimately inconsequential!!!  especially in light of Rom. 8:28 - will be recompensed and rewarded

Rom. 8:33 - Who can bring a charge against you?  If God's on your side, what can they do of consequence.
On one hand, can accuse,
However, can't make it stick!! - Zech. 3:1-5

Rom. 8:34 - Who can condemn you?   Jesus = your advocate, lawyer, judge, surety, ....
Rom. 8:1 - you are secure   Heb. 7:25

Rom. 8:35 - Who (or what) can separate you?
example:  Prodigal son  - even when he walked away, it didn't separate him from his father's love!!

This whole passage is about confidence, faith regardless of what you are going through.

Application ... Have you been called?              
                       Have you responded?  (crossed the bridge)
                     
                       Are you now confident?  (in your standing?  in His attendance?  etc?

Closing Scripture:  1 John 5:11-13