30. Moreover--"And," or "Now"; explanatory of
Ro 8:29
--In "predestinating us to be conformed to the image of His Son" in
final glory, He settled all the successive steps of it. Thus
whom he did predestinate, them he also called--The word "called" (as
HODGE and others truly observe) is never in the Epistles of the New
Testament applied to those who have only the outward invitation of
the Gospel (as in
Mt 20:16; 22:14).
It always means "internally, effectually, savingly called." It
denotes the first great step in personal salvation and answers
to "conversion." Only the word conversion expresses the
change of character which then takes place, whereas this
"calling" expresses the divine authorship of the change, and the
sovereign power by which we are summoned, Matthew-like,
Zaccheus-like, out of our old, wretched, perishing condition, into a
new, safe, blessed life.
and whom he called--thus.
them he also justified--brought into the definite state of
reconciliation already so fully described.
and whom he justified, them he also glorified--brought to final glory
(Ro 8:17, 18).
Noble climax, and so rhythmically expressed! And all this is viewed as
past; because, starting from the past decree of "predestination to be
conformed to the image of God's Son" of which the other steps are but
the successive unfoldings--all is beheld as one entire, eternally
completed salvation.
JFB.
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