THE GOLDEN CHAIN by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC
Introduction: We are back in our series on Romans where we are laying down the theological foundations for our end-times series. Without a proper foundation, it is easy to misunderstand biblical prophecy. In today’s message, we come to what has often been referred to as the Golden Chain passage of the Bible. Unfortunately, it has often been misunderstood and has been the source of division in the church. We will try to understand its true meaning in the proper context and grammar. In my study, it’s true meaning is the explanation of how “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8 (page #1742) 29 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
Context: As the title of this message, this passage is known as the “Golden Chain.” It is believed by some people that this is the chronological sequence of salvation. In Latin, it is called “ordo salutis” starting with election to predestination to calling to justification to glorification. This passage has been a source of much discussion since the early days of Christianity. There have been 4 major conflicts over this issue of “Predestination and Free Will” (See Erwin Lutzer, The Doctrines that Divide):
- In the 4th century between Augustine (354-430 CE) and Pelagius (354-418 CE): Although I don’t agree with Augustine over the matter of election, neither do I agree with Pelagius who did not believe in Original Sin.
- In the 15th century between Luther (1483-1546 CE) and Erasmus (1466-1536 CE): Although I like Luther for many things, I cannot agree with him totally over the bondage of the will. For that matter, I cannot agree totally with Erasmus either that natural man can do what God commands him to do.
- In the 16th century between Calvin (1509-1564 CE) and Arminius (1559-1609 CE): Although Calvin was a brilliant man, I cannot agree with Calvinists that God has chosen beforehand who will accept him and who will reject him. Arminians are no better either because they still must answer the question that if God knew who would sin, why did he create them. Which view is better? God created some only to send them to hell or God created some knowing that they will choose hell.
- In the 18th century between Whitfield (1732-1770 CE) and Wesley (1703-1791 CE): Although Whitfield promoted Calvinism and Wesley promoted Arminianism, they both were very evangelistic. I disagree with both on this topic. In the end, they both got along – Whitfield asked Wesley to do his funeral. Onetime, someone asked Whitfield if he would see Wesley in heaven, he responded, “I fear not. He will be so near the throne, and we shall be at such a distance, that we shall hardly get a sight of him.” Wow!
Each of these individuals was a giant in Christendom. As John the Baptist said about Jesus – “I am not worthy to loosen their sandal straps.” Having said that, listen again to Romans 8 29 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” If this was a sequence of salvation, how are we already glorified? Could it be that Paul is not giving us a sequence of salvation? Could it be that this is not a golden chain of salvation but a golden chain of God’s assurance as we face sufferings in this life?
Remember the context of this passage: We have been talking about suffering in the Christian life. Suffering is part of our sanctification. Because we are one with Christ (died, buried, and risen with him), we also suffer with him – “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17). As we go through suffering, we are to remember that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). To endure suffering, God has sent the Holy Spirit to help us in our weaknesses. Of course, Jesus is also interceding for us, and we will see that soon. This is especially needed in times of deep sufferings when we do not even know how to pray and “the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). He prays for us according to the will of God. What is the result? Then we can say with Paul in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
What is Paul doing here? Where is he going? Remember, the church in Rome in the first century was divided between Jewish background and Gentile background believers over the Law. While maintaining the distinction between Israel and the Church, he is bringing them together in Christ. Don’t forget – Suffering is the great unifier. Ever sat in the waiting room at the cancer hospital? Ever been around someone whose child is making the same mistakes as your child is? Ever encounter someone who is also going through a relationship breakdown? Ever been around someone who is facing the same job loss? All of sudden, all the divisions of black and white, rich and poor, young and old become trivial. The golden chain is the chain that binds us together in our sufferings to Christ. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Outside may be a raging sea but inside there is peace like a river. Like that old hymn by Horatio Spafford –
“When peace like a river attendeth my (our) way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my (our) lot, thou hast taught me (us) to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my (our) soul(s).’”
Application: How do you see people around you? How do you see other believers? What do you when you see someone going through some suffering?
By the way, I want to point out that the Romans 8:28 in Greek has a different layout than what we often think. Calvin wrote in his commentary on Romans that this clause was added “by way of correction.” A better translation is – “Furthermore, we know that for those who love God, he works all things together for good, for those called according to his purpose.” You can say, “Those who love God are those who are called by God. Those who are called by God are those who love God.” We try to put the emphasis on one or the other, but the scriptures don’t here.
Let’s move forward – There are 3 major truths that Paul wants us all to embrace as we go through suffering together:
I. From God’s perspective, you’ve already arrived.
Romans 8:29 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Background: That word “foreknew” has been debated to no end. Some people have said that the word for foreknowledge – “proginoskein” – has a pregnant meaning of “making someone the object of loving care.” From this, people have created a doctrine that God has elected some people out of His own free will and He knows them beforehand. With the same token, he has made some people out of his own free will and He will not know them. All this is extra added. We have taken a passage that was meant to provide comfort and assurance to believers going through trials and tried to make it something it was not addressing. Proginosko = “to know beforehand” or “foreknow.” This is more in line with what David says in Psalms 139 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret. . .”
What does He do with that knowledge? Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined (proorizein – should be translated as pre-appointed or appointed beforehand – not to be saved but to become like Jesus) to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. God knows all my past. He knows what I have done. He knows my weaknesses. But, when I come to Him for salvation, He doesn’t turn me away. Instead, He sets me up to become like His Son, Jesus. This is in the context of other believers.
Listen to the rest – Romans 8 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. It is all past tense. Meaning: When I come to Christ, He does not wait for me to act. He goes ahead and applies everything to my account. As far as He is concerned, you are as good as in heaven – already glorified! 31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Who is being referred to here? Anyone who tries to make you doubt your salvation, especially Satan. He may tell you that you will not make it. From God’s perspective, you have already made it!
Application: You may say “I don’t feel glorified. I don’t feel justified. I don’t feel called. Some days, I don’t even feel saved.” Dear friends, from God’s perspective, when He sees you, He sees Jesus. He is your brother. You are part of the family of God. What are you worried about?
II. From your perspective, he will not withhold anything good from you.
Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
Background: That is simple enough. What do you need? Is there anything that is too much for God? Will God draw a line and say – “I can do only so much and no more.”
For e.g. If you go to buy a very expensive watch, the beautiful and ornate case is free.
Jesus promised His disciples back in John 16 23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full…”
The same promise that Jesus made to His disciples are now made to every believer.
Application: What is destroying your peace? What eats your sleep? Have you turned to your Heavenly Father for it? Financial need, relationships, wisdom, strength, grace.
III. From the Enemy’s perspective, you are sealed in the love of Christ.
Romans 8 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Meaning: We not only have the Holy Spirit interceding for us but we also have Jesus praying for us.
For e.g. We often say “It’s not what you know but who you know that matters.” To be honest, it’s neither. “It’s not what you know or who you know that matters. What matters is who knows you.” Jesus, who knows our every weakness, is the one who is interceding for us.
Romans 8 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Application: Do you see who you are in Christ? Do you see who we all are in Christ as we go through suffering? By the way, there is nothing mentioned about Christ’s return. Beverly Gaventa says, “God’s triumph in Jesus Christ is incomplete – indeed, it is inconceivable – apart from Israel, the people God created and sustains and from whom God also will not be separated.” In other words, I cannot trust someone who says “I got you” but is not taking care of someone to whom he has made the same promise…”