One of the most controversial words in Scripture is found in our passage today. It’s the word—predestined. Some run with this truth to places they should never go. For instance, there are those who discard the need for evangelism. “Why share the gospel if God has predestined people?” they reason. Others dispense with discipleship because, as one once told me, “I give those who profess a bunch of good books. If they are true believers, they will be motivated to read and grow on their own.” Let’s consider and work through today’s passage.

Romans 8:29-30
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.

On the one hand, this passage speaks of God’s intimate knowledge and plan for us. Theologian R. C. Sproul said it well: “It is the plan of sovereign saving grace, entitling all who now believe to trace their faith and salvation back to an eternal decision by God to bring them to glory and to look forward to that glory as a guaranteed certainty.” Salvation, the Bible says clearly, is of the Lord from eternity past to eternity future. And at the same time, we are held responsible to believe and share the gospel. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). And Paul is quick to add: “How, then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14).

So, we have two truths—God’s foreknowledge/predestination and our responsibility to share the truth. As you arrive at the gates of heaven, you see the words I have quoted above from Romans 10:13. When you enter in and look at the other side of the gate, you will see your name already written on it. The great theologian J. I. Packer calls this an antinomy—parallel truths that seemingly contradict but never do. He says to accept it and move on. That’s exactly what we must do!

Father, help me grasp from this passage your intimate love for your children. May I surrender my lack of full comprehension and accept my limited knowledge of your omniscience. In Christ’s name. Amen.