Ruminations From Rice

The apostle is here [Ro.8:29,30-- Rip]proving, that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose;" and he proves it by showing that God originally purposed to save them, and that he is now,in his providence and by his grace, carrying out his purpose. Let us note the several steps presented in the text. The persons spoken of were foreknown. were they foreknown as believers? Did God foresee that they would believe and receive the gospel, and was his predestination of them founded upon such foreknowledge?...we,for several clear reasons, answer in the negative. First, they were first foreknown and predestinated, and were called because thus foreknown; but according to Arminianism, all receive the same call, and of course that call is not based on a foreknowledge of faith.Secondly, the apostle says, "whom he called, them [the same individuals] he justified, and whom he justified, them he also glorfied; "but according to Arminianism, many who receive this call reject it, and consequently are not justified, much less glorified. The apostle teaches, that all who receive this call,are justified and glorified; but Arminianism teaches, that much the larger portion are never justified at all. Thirdly, they are predestined to be conformed to the image of God, not predestinated because God foresaw that they would be conformed. And, fourthly, no one, as we have already proved, ever exercises true faith, until he is regenerated. Consequently, God could foreknow them as believers, only because he purposed to renew their hearts and dispose them to receive Christ. (pages 156,157)

 

God, first, foreknew or designed to favor the persons. Then, secondly, he predestined them to holiness, or predetermined to sanctify them; for God is the author of sanctification. Then, thirdly, he, in accordance with his foreknowledge and purpose, called them. And it is clear that this call was effectual, because the same persons who received the call were justified, as they could not be unless they believed. and, fourth, the same persons were glorified. Thus the apostle gives the general manner of the Divine procedure in the salvation of men. They are chosen, called, justified, glorified. And because God is now carrying out his eternal purpose to save them, we know, as the apostle argues, that all things work together for their good. Having determined the end, God is employing the best means and agencies for its accomplishment. Those means and agencies are his Word, his Ordinances,his Providences,and his Spirit. ( pages 157,158)

 

Many other passages of Scripture might be adduced in confirmation of the doctrine of Election, but the evidence already furnished is amply sufficient to satisfy the unprejudiced mind. There is no part of Scripture, however plain the language, upon which an ingenious writer may not put a plausible interpretation contrary to its obvious import; but we ask the candid reader to determine for himself, in the fear of God, whether the interpretations we have given of the passages quoted is not more in accordance with the obvious import of the language of Inspiration, than the different and contradictory interpretations of Arminians, [ Rice had cited the opinions of Dr. Clarke and Dr.Watson -- two prominent Arminians of the past.-- Rip] who, while they agree in asserting that those passages do not teach Election, cannot agree what they do teach. Do not these efforts to fix upon those passages a sense consistent with Arminianism, look more like a defense of their Creed against the Bible, than an impartial expostion of its language? (page 158)

 

Nor do we believe,that the saints will persevere in their own strength; but with Paul we are "confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in them, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." We believe that he hath given unto them eternal life, "and they shall never perish,neither shall any pluck them out of his hand;" that the Father who gave them to Christ,is greater than all,and no man is able to pluck them out of his hand.
This soul-cheering doctrine is confirmed by the doctrine of Divine foreordination. Before the foundation of the world God purposed to save his people through Christ, and he appointed and arranged all the means necessary to this end. In fulfillment of this purpose God has called them into his kingdom, and is now carrying forward his work of grace. And as Paul conclusively argues : -- "If when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." That is, if, when we were in an unconverted state and full of enmity to God, he, in fulfillment of his eternal purpose, brought us into a state of reconciliation; much more, now that we are reconciled and have become his children, will he finish the work he has begun. Paul knew that all things work together for good to the people of God, because they are "the called according to his purpose." He foreknew,predestined, called and justified them; and certainly he will glorify them.
These two doctrines have rarely been separated in any creed,and none who believe the doctrine of Divine foreordination, doubt the truth of the doctrine of the saints' perseverance. (pages 165,166)

 

Unfortunately, many who profess to beieve in eternal security reject Divine foreordination. That's why there is a big disconnect between those who readily affirm the truths in Romans 8:31-39 -- but deny the truths of the preceeding verses 28-30.