Who Shall Separate Us From The Love Of GOD?

"We know that in everything, GOD works for the good of those who love HIM, whom HE has called, according to HIS plan.  Those whom HE knew beforehand, HE has also predestined, to be like HIS Son, similar to HIM, so, that, HE may be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And so, those whom GOD predestined, HE called; and those whom HE called, HE makes righteous; and to those whom HE makes righteous, HE will give HIS glory." - Romans 8:28-30 

(In the last pages Paul has described GOD's action in us through HIS Spirit.  In fact, the providence of the FATHER covers all the events of our lives.  Nothing happens in the world, in our family, in our lives merely by chance or because it was so destined.

Those whom HE knew beforehand.  Paul stresses the FATHER's personal attention for each one of us.  GOD knows us in CHRIST from the beginning of the world: children known before they are born, but also destined for a unique place in creation!

On reading this verse some have thought that we are not really free, and that those elected by GOD are saved automatically.  In fact, we do not read that some are elected for salvation, others not.  Paul only says that they are elected to know CHRIST, which is not the same as salvation.

The kingdom of GOD extends much farther than the Church.  The great majority of humankind do not know CHRIST and the Gospel.  Yet GOD knows how to lead and save them, for the sacrifice of CHRIST saves all humankind.  Paul is addressing believers and reminds them that to believe in CHRIST is a great personal grace; let them not be discouraged.

HE called... makes righteous.  Whatever be the way we come to know CHRIST, it is a personal call of GOD who gives us the opportunity to believe.

GOD set us on a solid basis with HIMSELF.  That goes far beyond an ordering on a moral level for those who needed it--and besides such an ordering does not guarantee that we always keep to the right path.  More deeply something has been achieved in us, something has been sown in the world: we are the bearers of innumerable orderings from which a new conscience will originate and appear in humanity, during our lifetime or centuries later.)

On-Site