*This post ( updated and retitled ) is an effort from a humble pilgrim known by the name of Frank Payton, ( Coy).
This post is also an effort to clarify or or at least understand better, a subject that has caused a lot of division in the church over the centuries. It is also an effort to glorify the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, without which there would be no hope of restoration for mankind …
Let’s start our study and call it as introductory: I would also like to admit that this area of study is very deep. Some things, some areas of study, are at best, hard to understand, at worst, they are beyond human comprehension … Such is the case we find here.
Reference: Romans 8: 30 — Often referred by scholars, students, and laymen as The Golden Chain Of Salvation ... Also refer to *Matthew 22:14 … *For a comparative contrast (to be discussed in this post) concerning words in Romans 8:30 and Matthew 22:14 … ie: Predestination, Calling, Chosen, Justification and “Glorification” referring back to the title of this post … Romans 8:30 KJV ... “MOREOVER, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
Pease study these terms: Calvinism, and Armenianism.
Let’s begin, Some believe in predestination, most believe in free will, this can be a difficult subject … it’s a bit of a mystery, as you will see.
Learn of these terms: Predestination: The doctrine that God in consequence of his foreknowledge of all events, infallibly guides those who are destined for salvation.
Calling: To those called, Christ is the power of God. ( Going to be saved) Remember reference to Matthew 22:14, for a seemingly different context of Calling and Chosen...
Compare “Calling” to a job interview, The term “Chosen” means you got the job. Calling should be seen as a general invitation … Again refer to Matthew 22:14 and those “called” to the wedding feast … All were *called ( *invited, but few were chosen ( accepting the invitation) … A little bit mysterious …
Note: The story of Jesus calling Lazarus from the dead and he came forth …
Justification: God performs a righteous act of removing the penalty of sin, guilt, and condemnation, declaring the believers to be righteous through faith in Christ.
Glorification or *Glorified …*( Past tense)… Why did Paul use the word “glorified” in the “past tense”? … Paul knew that neither he nor the Romans he was speaking to were “as of yet glorified.”… We will cut to the chase here, and say that the whole point is Paul was so sure of God’s salvation and the glorification of the believer, that he used the word in the past tense … Paul stating that this is God’s perspective from eternity concerning believers … Even though we are in the flesh, stumbling, and falling, and failing, (though often succeeding in overcoming) … God does not see us as we currently are, he sees us in our “future glorified state” … Would it be too bold to say that the matter is settled for believers? … ( I am aware of those who believe we can lose our salvation, that is another subject for another time.)
I hope you have taken the time to the study of Calvinism and Arminianism ...
*Calvinism: Calvinism focuses on the supreme sovereignty of God, predestination, the total depravity of man, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of the saints. Further Calvinism believes that God’s sovereignty is unconditional, unlimited, and absolute, all things are predetermined by the good pleasure of God’s will. God had foreknowledge because of his planning …
*Arminianism: The Arminians believe God is sovereign, but has limited control in correspondence with “man’s freedom and response”. ( Freewill) … Yet God’s decrees are associated with his foreknowledge of man’s response …*Ref: The Christian Library ..
Stated bluntly, God elected those who would choose Him of their own free will … The Savior’s atoning death was for everyone, however, Christ’s atonement is effective only for those who believe … Salvation depending on accepting God’s terms makes it “exclusive” … Some people don’t like that term but I believe it’s true … People want to complain; why isn’t Jesus “all-inclusive” in his gospel? … Go back to our study and remember, the “invitation” is to all, the condition is acceptance and belief … I hope this helps you in understanding a challenging subject, please continue studying on your own … Frank, littleraventhepoet.blog … By the way, I believe the Arminians might hold the better understanding of our study … Yet like I said, some things are very mysterious, and in this life are beyond comprehension … There are good God believing Christians on both sides, some Calvinists and some Arminians …
Frankie The Earthman 