Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son… is to mark out beforehand especially in one's mind. Only in Ephesians 1:5, 11; Acts 4:28; 1 Corinthians 2:7. It is more definite than "purpose." A parent who before his child is old enough for a trade, chooses a trade for him, predestines the boy. He marks out beforehand a path in which he designs him to go. So God from eternity resolved that believers should be made like His Son. Foreordination is simply a purpose, and by no means implies the inevitable accomplishment of the purpose. The boy marked out for one trade may enter another. But it might be thought that what God foreordained must in every case be realised. But God has thought fit that the accomplishment of His own purposes shall depend upon man's faith. Hence Paul solemnly warns his readers that, unless they continue in faith, they will, although foreordained to glory, be cut off (Romans 11:21, 22). So in Jeremiah 18:7-12, God expressly declares that the accomplishment of His purpose of blessing to Israel depends upon Israel's conduct. The doctrine of predestination is thus consistent with the teaching that salvation depends upon each man's own faith (Romans 9:32; Romans 11:22f); with the teaching that God is using means to lead all men to repentance (Romans 2:4); and with the universality of the purpose of redemption (Romans 5:18). (Prof. Beet.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. |
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