“For those whom he foreknew (mankind) 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. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:29-31)
I think Christians have erred in limiting “those He foreknew” to only those who “get saved” as the different church groups define what is necessary to be saved. God Himself has called all mankind into existence and has promised, in spite of evil and our sin, to save, justify, reconcile and glorify all mankind when His work in finished….God is FOR US, not against us!
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope (assurance) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." (Romans 8:20-22)
For 2000 years theologians and philosophers have reasoned from its bondage to corruption, rather than from trusting the promises of God. There personal views have robbed most of mankind of the "blessed hope (assurance)" of the return of Christ to finish what God started. God subjected the whole creation to evil, suffering and futility, but it was necessary, and temporary, and all creation is to be "set free" into the "freedom of the Sons of God". Those Christians who do not believe this see no hope for those they consider unbelievers...because they do not believe that the GLORY promised by God is for ALL and will far exceed the "sufferings of this present time".
Many spend their entire lives trying nobly to end as much suffering as possible…thy are to be commended and we should do our part…but there is no less suffering and evil today than when they started those valiant efforts. Others do nothing but threaten sinners that they will not only suffer in this life but will suffer a million times more in hell if they do not repent, get saved and join their church...sending missionaries all over the world with such a message. It does not seem to me that God gets any glory from this, just disdain from those who cannot fathom a loving Father doing such to his suffering, even evil, children.
Nevertheless to the humble and mature person who will believe God, Paul speaks...
"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory…” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)
The wise, highly educated religious and political men, crucified Jesus, but they were ignorant. For had they believed God they would not have crucified Jesus. But if they had not…we all would be lost…how ironic. And they did so, in spite of their wisdom, because it was God’s will for Jesus to be crucified…
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this Man, delivered over BY THE PREDETERMINE PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death…And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, HE HAS THUS FULFILLED.” (Acts 2:22-24; 3:18-19)
I think Christians have erred in limiting “those He foreknew” to only those who “get saved” as the different church groups define what is necessary to be saved. God Himself has called all mankind into existence and has promised, in spite of evil and our sin, to save, justify, reconcile and glorify all mankind when His work in finished….God is FOR US, not against us!
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope (assurance) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." (Romans 8:20-22)
For 2000 years theologians and philosophers have reasoned from its bondage to corruption, rather than from trusting the promises of God. There personal views have robbed most of mankind of the "blessed hope (assurance)" of the return of Christ to finish what God started. God subjected the whole creation to evil, suffering and futility, but it was necessary, and temporary, and all creation is to be "set free" into the "freedom of the Sons of God". Those Christians who do not believe this see no hope for those they consider unbelievers...because they do not believe that the GLORY promised by God is for ALL and will far exceed the "sufferings of this present time".
Many spend their entire lives trying nobly to end as much suffering as possible…thy are to be commended and we should do our part…but there is no less suffering and evil today than when they started those valiant efforts. Others do nothing but threaten sinners that they will not only suffer in this life but will suffer a million times more in hell if they do not repent, get saved and join their church...sending missionaries all over the world with such a message. It does not seem to me that God gets any glory from this, just disdain from those who cannot fathom a loving Father doing such to his suffering, even evil, children.
Nevertheless to the humble and mature person who will believe God, Paul speaks...
"Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory…” (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)
The wise, highly educated religious and political men, crucified Jesus, but they were ignorant. For had they believed God they would not have crucified Jesus. But if they had not…we all would be lost…how ironic. And they did so, in spite of their wisdom, because it was God’s will for Jesus to be crucified…
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this Man, delivered over BY THE PREDETERMINE PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death…And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, HE HAS THUS FULFILLED.” (Acts 2:22-24; 3:18-19)