The End of the Chain

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. 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 8:29-30 ESV).

As we continue our Lenten devotionals it is important that we anchor our thoughts in the eternal plan of God. It could not be more plainly revealed as in today’s stunning verses. One of the great Reformation confessions calls this “The Golden Chain of Redemption.” It’s easy to see the reason for such a description. Note how the various clauses are linked together like a chain: “For those God foreknew he also predestined … And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (vv. 29-30). There’s no break in the chain. God is the subject of each verb, and the main actor in the drama of salvation. And the same people are the object of each verb. Each one of them is totally encircled by that golden chain and absolutely assured of complete salvation. The cross is anchored in that love, set up and supported by that golden chain of our redemption. However, the most encouraging truth in all of this is the ultimate purpose of God’s love. The Apostle Paul says it is that we might “be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (v. 29b). This transformation is not rooted in our behavior. It is not a result of our reaching an acceptable level of performance. It is not as if we are all somehow competing for a limited number of positions on the team. The “competition” has already taken place; in fact, the race has already been won. Jesus has dealt a final blow to our greatest enemy. We have been transformed forever from the enemy of God to His beloved children. Perhaps you have had such an experience as a child. Everyone gathers on the playground for a pickup game of football, soccer, baseball, or any number of games that were popular in those days. Two “captains” were appointed and the rest of us waited to hear our name called. Of course, the sooner our name was called the more proudly we could walk to our team. The longer it took to be chosen, the more embarrassing the experience. Sometimes it would even drive us away from the game completely just to find ourselves sitting alone, excluded from all the others. That is not what God has done. He sent Jesus to make sure that we were picked first! We were picked before the foundation of the world to be just like the Captain of the team! What a comfort! Think on that truth this season! That’s the end of this chain… loved and accepted!