Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 8:30
“And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
NIV · New International Version
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
WEB · World English Bible
Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
What does Romans 8:30 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 8:30
Moreover, whom he did predestinate,.... Not to sufferings, which are not expressed nor designed, but to grace and glory after mentioned. This predestination is of particular persons, who, in consequence of it, are called, justified, and glorified; it is the effect of divine grace, and entirely owing to it; it is the source of all the other blessings of grace, and is therefore placed at the head of them, and secures them all: them he also called; not to afflictions: many may be called to afflictions, and endure them, who are neither justified nor glorified; besides, the people of God, though they meet with many afflictions, between their call to eternal glory, and their enjoyment of it, yet…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 8:28–30
30. And whom he has foredetermined, (pr?finivit,) them has he also called, etc. That he might now by a clearer proof show how true it is that a conformity with the humiliating state of Christ is for our good, he adopts a graduating process, by which he teaches us, that a participation of the cross is so connected with our vocation, justification, and, in short, with our future glory, that they can by no means be separated. But that readers may better understand the Apostle's meaning, it may be well to repeat what I have already said, -- that the word foredetermine does not refer to election, but to that purpose or decree of God by which he has ordained that the cross is to be borne by his…
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 8:27–33 (WEB)
27He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. 28We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified. 31What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? 33Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies.
Cross references
- Revelation 17:14
These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
- Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.
- Ephesians 1:11
We were also assigned an inheritance in him, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will,
- Romans 9:23–24
and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory—
- Ephesians 1:5
having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,
- 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
- Hebrews 9:15
For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
- 1 Corinthians 6:11
Some of you were such, but you were washed. You were sanctified. You were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q36. What benefits do they that are effectually called, partake of in this life?
They that are effectually called, do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them.