The Past, Present, And Future Of The Believer

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?