Romans 8:29

For The word introduces a fuller account of the "Call according to Purpose."

he did foreknow Same word as Romans 11:2; 1 Peter 1:20 (E. V. "foreordained"). The noun occurs Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:2. Comparing this passage with 2 Tim. quoted above, it is clear that the foreknowing is of persons, not of merit in those persons. It thus nearly approaches in meaning here to sovereign Choice of souls. See too Romans 11:2, and cp. with it e.g. Deuteronomy 7:7-8. Fully to understand and estimate such Foreknowledge, we should need to be the Eternal Being Himself. But our recognition of the extreme mysteryshould dispose us more, not less, to bow to the revelation of the fact. It is surely dangerous, if only in view of the context and tone of this great passage, (where all is made to bear on the safety of the children of God,) to attempt explanations which lower the idea of a sovereign choice to life and glory. Cp. on the general subject, (on which it is obviously best to keep as close to Scripture as possible,) John 6:37; John 6:39; John 6:44; John 6:64-66; John 17:2; Ephesians 1:4; and below, Romans 9:11, &c., Romans 11:5; Romans 11:7; Romans 11:28. See further, Appendix G.

did predestinate Lit. defined beforehand; "marked out, set apart, ordained beforehand." Same word as Acts 4:28; (E. V. "determined;") 1 Corinthians 2:7; (E. V. "ordained;") Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 1:11. All idea of blind destinymust be excluded; the "pre-ordination" is the act of the Living and Holy God. But while we can thus repose on its justice, it is none the less real, effectual, and sovereign.

to be conformed, &c. Here is the special regard of the pre-ordination; not merely escape from doom, but sanctity, the likeness of Christ. See Ephesians 1:4. All the great Doctrines of Grace are, in Scripture, connected with holiness as their supreme aim. The "conformity" here is illustrated by 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:3. It is incipient here, entire hereafter. It is a spiritual likeness; for while the son-ship is in one respect adoptive, in another it is generative. See on "adoption," Romans 8:15. The Gr. implies a real and permanentlikeness.

firstborn Same word as Colossians 1:15; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 1:5. He is prior (1) as to time, "begotten before the worlds," eternallythe Son; (2) as to dignity; "in all things pre-eminent."

many brethren Cp. Hebrews 2:10-17; a passage remarkably parallel in some respects. See also Matthew 12:48-50.