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ÒThem He Also CalledÓ

Romans 8:30

 

This text is not talking about the general call that is issued to sinners to come to Christ every time the gospel is preached (Matthew 22:14). And it is not talking about the effectual, irresistible call of the Holy Spirit in omnipotent grace, by which GodÕs elect are brought to Christ in faith. Those who are Òthe calledÓ in verse 28 are those who are separated and distinguished from all others by the saving operations of GodÕs grace in time. But that is not what is spoken of in verse 30.

 

Done from Eternity

This text is talking about a call made by God almighty in his eternal decree. What can that be? Let the Scriptures answer for themselves. Before the world began God saved and called his elect with a calling of grace given us in Christ from eternity (2 Timothy. 1:9-10).

 

Named Children

The word that is translated ÒcalledÓ in Romans 8:28 means Òinvited, summoned, or selected.Ó But that is not the word used in Romans 8:30 and 2 Timothy 1:9. The word translated ÒcalledÓ in these verses means Ònamed, made to bear a name, or saluted by a name.Ó The word here distinctly means Ònamed out.Ó

In old eternity the Lord God called all his elect the sons of God, and named us out as his sons (1 John 3:1-2). As such, we were sanctified, set apart from all others, and made holy by the eternal decree of God. Being sanctified by the FatherÕs decree, we were preserved in Christ through all the ages of time unto the appointed time of our calling (Jude 1). At the appointed time of love, we were called (commanded by the irresistible power of his grace) to life and faith in Christ by his almighty grace (Jude 1).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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