“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” – Romans 8:29-30
Romans 8:29–30 gives us what many call the five golden links in God’s chain of salvation: “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined…called…justified…glorified.” Each link begins with “He,” reminding us that salvation is God’s work from beginning to end. These links were forged in eternity, dipped into time, and will carry us into glory. There are no weak links here—no chance of loss or breakage. But this high doctrine, as many have called it, raises a question: if salvation is all God’s doing, does that mean we have no choice? Has God’s sovereignty erased human free will? The answer, according to Scripture, is a resounding no. God’s plan includes our response. He draws, He calls, but He never forces. From the garden of Eden to the gates of Revelation, the Bible is filled with invitations to choose.
God has always honored human choice. In Deuteronomy 30:19, He says, “I have set before you life and death…therefore choose life.” Jesus echoed this in Luke 9:23, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” These are not commands without consent—they are invitations that require a response. God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility are not enemies—they are companions. The general call of the gospel goes out to all, but only those who respond experience the effectual call—the internal drawing of the Spirit. “No one can come to Me unless the Father…draws him” (John 6:44). From beginning to end, Scripture affirms both divine initiative and human response. God gives, and man must receive. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” (Revelation 22:17). The choice is real, and the consequences are eternal.
Never let the mystery of God’s sovereignty paralyze your response. Let it move you to worship. If you feel the tug of God’s Spirit, respond. Choose life. Choose Christ. And if you’ve already responded, rejoice—because you are part of that unbreakable chain. You were foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. That’s why Paul can say with confidence, “There is therefore now no condemnation…” (Romans 8:1) and later, “Nothing shall separate us…” (Romans 8:39). God’s sovereignty secures your salvation, and your response confirms it. You are loved, chosen, and invited—now walk in that grace.
“This golden chain of salvation—foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified—is a chain which God lets down from heaven, that by it He may draw up His elect thither.” – John Arrowsmith
surrendered devotions 