First Presbyterian Church                                    Rev. Michael J. Imperiale

Salt Lake City, Utah                                              January 15, 2006

“Why Me?”

Romans 8: 28-39

Introduction

Two brothers grow up in the same home, graduate from the same schools and attend the same church. One becomes a devout, lifelong Christian. The other doesn’t. Why? Two childhood friends grow up in the same town, similar families, values and experiences. One responds to God’s grace and becomes a follower of Christ. The other doesn’t. Why is this? I am one of eight children. And as far as I know, I am among the few professing Christians in my family. Why me?

For most or all of us, this is a mystery. It’s inexplicable. But it’s reality. Why do some people seem to have no interest at in what believers see as good news from God? John Calvin was an important theologian, pastor and reformer who shaped the “Presbyterian” approach to faith. He was a thorough student as he studied 1500 years of Christian teaching, as he analyzed the Bible phrase by phrase (his complete set of commentaries are in our library – you should pick one up sometime and discover the riches of meaning in his writings). Calvin came to the conclusion that we are asking the wrong question. It’s not why, but who? Who’s in charge of people coming to God? Who makes it possible for you or me to come to the life-giving, sovereign hope in Jesus Christ? The biblical answer is, God himself.

Tracing back from Calvin to Augustine to the Apostle Paul to the Gospels and to the Old Testament scriptures, the term predestination has become almost synonymous with Calvin and Presbyterian. Although there are volumes written about this biblical concept and the discussion can go on for hours, the short answer to this mystery is rather simple. “God is God, and you’re not and neither am I.” For Calvin, the question was not why God chose some and not others. The question is, why God would choose any of us at all!

I. God is First and Always First (vs. 28-30)

In our reading from Romans 8 this morning, the apostle Paul marvels and revels in the amazing, wondrous mystery of God’s work in our lives. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose… Those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” God knew what he was doing from the very beginning.

The Old Testament portrays God the Creator as personal, powerful, and purposeful. God’s purposes are certain of fulfillment regardless of our human will or participation. Psalm 33 says, “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” God has the ability and wisdom to plan present and future happenings “long ago,” “from the beginning.” Isaiah presents God’s word. “Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass,” says the Lord (Isaiah 37:26). That God governs human history (individuals, families and nations) is made clear in the promises and fulfillment of his redemptive plan.

The New Testament takes for granted the foundations, teachings, history and experience of the Old Testament that God is the sovereign Lord and will fulfill his purposes. Throughout the Gospels, Old Testament quotes are used to proclaim Jesus, his life and ministry, his death and resurrection as fulfillment of God’s plan. The ideas of God predestinating sinners to salvation in Christ “before the foundation of the world” are applied. The King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world,” Jesus teaches in Matthew 25. Luke’s language throughout the book of Acts tells us how salvation is the result of God’s prevenient grace (God working in our lives before we even know it). “When the Gentiles heard this (the gospel), they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48). John tells us how Jesus came to save a number of particular individuals whom the Father has “given” him.

The fullest explanation of predestination comes in Paul’s writings. From all eternity, God has had a plan to save a Church, the called-out ones. This “church” clearly is not the Roman Catholic church, the LDS church, the Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, Baptist or Methodist church. The only true church is all those people in any time in any place who have acknowledged Jesus Christ as God Incarnate, only-begotten Son of God, one God in unity with the Father and Holy Spirit, Savior and Lord of their lives. And those of the true church know that God is the one who makes this salvation and life possible. I can claim no credit for being a Christian. God has done it in me.

II. God is For Us (vs. 31-39)

“What, then, shall we say in response to this?” asks Paul. “If God is for us, who can be against us? For I am convinced that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”