It is written, "We know that in everything God works with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the first-born among many brethern. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)
The meaning of this passage is:
Given the nature of God as Love (1 John 4:16), God has created and called all beings for the purpose of expressing this Love that God is.
We are in this way "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son", the perfect incarnation of Divine Love.
We have the personal freedom, that God in His nature as Love gives us, to decide whether to abide in the Spirit of Divine Love and enjoy the fullness of true life (salvation) or to betray our predestined essence (Sin) and thus suffer terrible, destructive consequences (Evil).
Posted by Ravenangel (copyright@2003-2006)
at 12:01 AM EST