02.05. Gods Way Of Salvation

God’s Way Of Salvation Those who love God When we were sinners we needed a fundamental change in our relationship with God. The Bible calls this the new birth (John 3:1-36). We had to be transformed from being God-haters into God-lovers. We had to be reconciled with God, and to be placed into a wholly new relationship with Him. Since we were saved our relationship with God has been that of children and sons of God, and at the same time that of brethren of the Lord Jesus. The expression "those who love God" characterizes this new relationship which believers have with their God and Father. To that end they have received a new nature, the divine nature which is characterized by love. So both our position before God and our relationship with Him had to be radically changed. When this change has been effected, and we are called sons of the living God, we may wonder, What is God’s purpose in all this? What are God’s plans for those whom He has brought into this new relationship with Himself and with His dear Son? For why should we assume that we have been brought to God by chance? No, God has a clear purpose which He has prepared beforehand with regard to those who love Him. There is a certain plan that God has purposed by Himself, because He first loved us.

God’s purpose

Romans 8:1-39 informs us about this plan of God. Christians may see everything from an eternal perspective. They are on their way to glory, and everything that they encounter along that way works for their good. It contributes to their reaching the goal. In the light of God’s eternal purpose everything looks different. All emphasis is laid on the divine plan of salvation. When the apostle speaks about "those who love God", he is quick to add that they are those "who are the called according to His purpose". The one goes with the other. If we love God and can call Him "Abba, Father", then this is not our achievement but God’s work. It has to do with His purpose and His calling. It is an eternal initiative on the part of God Himself. For His plan of salvation to be fulfilled, God needed not only a purpose that was His own, but also a calling that was His own.

Now what exactly is this divine way of salvation? What are the stages in this divine plan? Romans 8:1-39 gives us the following five stages:

It begins with God’s eternal election, and ends with His eternal glory. God has chosen His own from eternity past, and through His calling and the essential work of justification He brings them to glory, where there is fullness of joy for evermore!