THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF THE BELIEVER
Text: Romans 8:28 – 30
Introduction:
· V. 28
· Not all things are good, but can be used for our long range good by God, who molds us
· Promise only for Christians, “the called”
· Salvation is not an instantaneous act as we see it, but a process that stretches from eternity past to eternity future
· God does not exist in time
· Yarn timeline, God is outside of time
Body:
A. The Past
1. Foreknowledge
· Jeremiah 1:5
· A result of God’s omniscience
· Does not imply that God forces a person’s will one way or the other
· God does not foresee what we will do and act accordingly (that puts our will above His)
· Even though God knows beforehand that many will reject His mercy and grace, He still provides the opportunities, a sacrifice, and the measure of faith
2. Predestination
· Not in regards to salvation
· Refers to God’s purpose for the Christian
· Conform = to become the same in character and actions
· Ephesians 1:3 – 6
· Conform by studying, practicing, experiencing, sharing
B. The Present
1. Calling
· Calling = invitation
· Matthew 22:1 – 14
· Many called (invited), few chosen (approved)
· Chosen because met the requirements (Garment)
· Garment supplied by host; could be accepted or rejected, but only those wearing it would be allowed in
· 2 Peter 3:8, 9
· Revelation 22:17
· Proverbs 1:24, 25
· Calling here refers to those who accepted
2. Justification
· Justification = to clear of blame or guilt
· Romans 5:1, 18
C. The Future
1. Glorification
· Refers to the time that we will be remade like Christ
· Colossians 3:4
· 1 John 3:2
Conclusion:
· Saved: Are you in the process of being conformed to the image of Christ?
· Unsaved: God is calling; are you going to accept the invitation?
