October 2, 2019 | Romans 8:29-30

Pastor Brian Anderson

When I was in middle school, a gold chain worn around the neck was a prized possession.  Like most kids, I wanted to fit in and be accepted, so I petitioned my mother for a new golden chain.  She kindly obliged and took me to one of the finest “knock-off” jewelry stores in town!  And for a steal of a deal, I purchased one fine golden chain in exchange for one crisp Andrew Jackson.  


The chain felt great around my neck and helped to accomplish my goal of acceptance among my peers. Unfortunately, the feeling did not last for long as the chain broke during an intense game of “tag” football during P.E.!  I was greatly disappointed to say the least and somewhat embarrassed that my gold chain did not hold together through the testing and trials of adolescence.  This was the last gold chain that I wore, but it was not the last golden chain that I would adore!  


The golden chain of salvation is found in Romans 8:29-30.  This chain is flawless, strong, and worth far more than one Andrew Jackson — in fact, all of the money in the world would never be enough to purchase this golden chain.  The only currency strong enough for this purchase is the blood of Jesus Christ.  By trusting in the work of Christ, we can rely forever and always on the golden chain of salvation! 


So, what is the golden chain of salvation?  Let’s take a brief look.  


For those: This refers to the Church,--those in the second Adam (Jesus).
 

Whom he foreknew: This word foreknew can also be interpreted as fore-loved.  For those whom God loved before the creation of the world.  God loves his creation, but he loves his new creation in a greater, more intimate, and salvific way.  

And through this love he also predestined the Church to be conformed to the image of his son.  Before man could even act out in disobedience, God set aside a group of people to bear the image of his son.  Then Christ came, as the firstborn among many brothers, to secure this group of people through his life, death, and resurrection.   

The chain continues as those whom he predestined he called with an effectual calling.  This is a saving call as that of Lydia in Acts 16:14.  

Those whom he called he also justified.  We are justified when God takes our guilt away and bestows upon us the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).   


And if we have been justified then we will surely be glorified: the chain will never be broken as we are secured for all of eternity with new bodies that will never rust, fade, break, or fade away!  This glorification will be complete after the faithful return of Jesus Christ!  


What a prized possession we have in Christ!  Are you fully relying upon the golden chain of salvation?  No other chain will hold together through the test and trials of life and the coming judgment of God.  And this chain also secures a guaranteed acceptance into the Kingdom of God!