28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keng Lio

When I read Romans 8:28-30, what strikes me most is the security and assurance in these verses.

Paul says that those God foreknew, He predestined. Those He predestined, He called. Those He called, He justified. And those He justified, He also glorified.

As I read those words, I can’t help but feel thankful that God has chosen me to be one of His children.

When I look honestly at myself, I know I haven’t earned that privilege. I’m a sinner... and left to myself, I deserve judgement and death, not forgiveness, acceptance and a place in God’s family. And yet, because of Jesus, that is exactly what God has given me.

I find it amazing that verse 29 says, God’s purpose is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and that Jesus would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Because of what Jesus has done, I don’t just stand before God as someone whose sins have been forgiven. I have been brought into His family. I can call God my Father, and Jesus my brother.

That is incredibly humbling.

These verses also remind me that my salvation doesn’t ultimately rest on how well I am doing as a Christian. There are times when I feel strong in my faith, and other times when I’m very aware of my weakness and sin. But this passage reminds me that God is the one who called me, justified me, and is bringing His work in me to completion.

Even the word “glorified” gives me hope. Paul speaks about it with such certainty. God’s purpose for His people will not fail.

So when I read this passage, my response is simply gratitude. I deserve none of this. Yet in Christ, I have been forgiven, justified, adopted into God’s family, and given the certain hope of glory.

What an incredible gift it is to belong to Him!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keng is a one of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.