“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28–30, ESV)
INTRODUCTION:
For the last two weeks we have been examining the eternal purpose of God, which is God the Father creating a diverse family for Jesus Christ His only begotten Son.
Our understanding of God’s purpose is important for at least two reasons.
First of all it’s important primarily because it’s God’s purpose and anything that God does is important. If God has revealed his purpose to us then we should seek to understand his revelation. But the goal of our understanding is the Father’s glory. As we come to understand the fullness, the richness of the Father’s work of redemption it will lead us to worship Him, praise Him and thank Him for what He has done for us.
Second it is important in light of the implications of God’s purpose. Those implications have a direct and dramatic impact on those God foreknew, predestined, called, justified and glorified.
God’s purpose gives our lives purpose. An understanding of God’s purpose provides me with the understanding that my life has a meaning that extends beyond the here and now that literally stretches into eternity. An understanding of God’s purpose helps me to understand and deal with the ups and downs of life. While at the same time providing me with comfort and assurance that in all these things God is working for good.
I can be assured of where I am going to spend eternity when I die because of the eternal purpose of God. [Read more…]