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"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 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. 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.” (Rom. 8:28-30). 1. Is this a certain number of people that God has determined will be saved and that all others will be lost? No, because God is no respecter of persons and everyone who will fear God and work righteousness will be accepted of him (Acts 10:34,35). God expects men to be poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, and hunger and thirst after righteousness for him to fill them with righteousness (Mat. 5:1-10). We have the choice to be this kind of people or not be this kind of people. 2. God has foreordained and predestinated that all men have the gospel taught to them. “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mk. 16:15). It was God’s well kept secret plans until Christ came and made the atonement possible. “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 16:25-27). It is the point that “many are called, but few chosen.” (Mat. 20:16; 22:14). The reason few are chosen is because man is a free moral agent and can choose whether to accept or reject the gospel. Many reject the true gospel, therefore are not chosen. 3. The ones God calls are the ones who are foreordained and predestinated. Now how does God call men today? “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thes. 2:13, 14). So God’s calling power is the gospel (Rom. 1:16). Now since the gospel is for all (Mk. 16:15), then God wants all to be called. He commands his disciples to preach that gospel to the whole world. The conclusion of this is God has predestined that every man be saved and the means of that salvation is the gospel. The choice is up to man as to whether he accepts that gospel. If he accepts then he will be justified and glorified. In line with this seven times in Revelation 2, 3 the statement is made “he that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Also in Revelation 22:17 it is explained in these words, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” The Holy Spirit says come through the gospel. The Bride (which is the church) says come by preaching and teaching that gospel. The thirsty can come, the hearing can come and whosoever will can come and take of the water of life freely. They can take of the water of life freely because the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6:23). 4. In Romans 8:28 he speaks of “the called according to his Purpose.” This would refer to those who answered the gospel call. According to 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14 (which we have already quoted), the way God saves and sanctifies is by the gospel. This is done by calling men by the gospel. When men aanswer that call they are the called of God. “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body: and be ye thankful.” (Col. 3:15). The called make up the one body which is the church. The church was in the eternal purpose of God (Eph. 3:11). That body, composed of all the redeemed is indeed “the called according to His purpose”. Such are destined to eternal glory because when he comes the dead in Christ will arise, the living in Christ will be changed and all will meet the Lord in the air to be with Him forever. (I Thes. 4:16, 17). God wants all men to be saved – will you answer His call?
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