Rom 8. 28-31. It is very hard to find a greater range of truth in so small a compass as we have in these few versus. And I think we may rightly say that it covers the whole of the purpose of God for His creatures upon earth. Not only the purpose of the church but also the purpose for Israel. Paul was brought up in the belief and rightly so did Israel with the elect people (or nation if you like) of God, and when the truth of the church dawned upon him, or perhaps it would be more correct to say, while the truth was dawning upon him: he found it very easy to look upon the church also has the elect people of God and his writings in this same epistle in chapters 9 to 11 inclusive show us clearly that he realized the reason for the setting aside of Israel, and the establishment of the church[1]. Israel had failed in their witness for Him and the church was brought into being to do what Israel had failed to do, and I am persuaded that this oft quoted verse 28 really refers primarily to the working of the various events in history to bring this about. Do not misunderstand me, I do not for one moment suggest it is wrong to apply the principle to the individuals that love God. All things means all things and we need to retain it in its entirety, but Paul is thinking of a wide application and his whole soul is thrilled with the wonder of it as he shews us plainly in chap 11.33. Here is worship of the highest character. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out. Now in these verses we have five steps in the purpose of God. They are these 1 Foreknowledge 2 Predestination 3 Calling 4 Justification 5 Glorification. Now let us turn over to the book of Numbers and we shall see the very same steps relating to Israel and I have little doubt in my mind but what Paul was well-versed in all the truths relating to Israel. And Hebrew of the Hebrews he declares himself to be. Patriotism was very strong with all the Jews and it still is and I believe when Paul spoke of himself thus, he meant that he excelled in patriotism and that he was a very zealous child of Abraham and would be very well acquainted with all the Old Testament Scriptures concerning the place that they held in the heart and the purposes of God. Now I am persuaded that I do not need to go into detail concerning the history of Balak and Balaam. Suffice it to say that Balak, King of Moab did his utmost to bribe Balaam to curse God’s ancient people Israel, mainly because he felt that he could fight and defeat Israel, but not against Israel’s God. The power of God on the behalf of His own was such that this prophet was not allowed to say what he desired to say but could only say what God put into his mouth and what were the words that he was compelled to utter[2]. First let us read from chap 23 vs 7-10. Here we see God’s foreknowledge and predestination. How could Balaam curse whom God delighted to bless. And there is one utterance in this chapter which is of outstanding importance. God is not a man that he should lie or the son of man that He should repent. Hath He said and shall He not do it? [3] And all the promises of Abraham Isaac & Jacob are involved and everyone will in due time be fulfilled. Foreknowledge and predestination are here closely woven together, and the two together give us a very wonderful revelation of the love of God. God’s knew long years before how Israel would respond to His loving appeals and all His tender sympathy and long suffering. Yet he did not refrain but poured out all that was best in Him upon that [which] was worst in them and would not turn back and withdraw one gracious purpose or one loving gesture. Man may do His best to turn Him aside but No. God is not a man that He should lie or the son of man that He should repent. They are God’s own separated people, they shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the nations[4]. Abraham could not count the stars[5], and none can count the dust of Jacob or number a quarter of Jacob[6], and so wonderfull is the picture of Israel in their greatness that Balaam expresses the desire to die the death of the righteous and that is last end should be like his, but there was one thing he overlooked. If one is to die the death of the righteous, he must live the life of the righteous. Paul was taught I have no doubt that Israel had a special place in the purposes of God and by the spirit of God was also assured that the church and each individual member also is equally foreknown and predestinated. And now let us pass on to the next two steps Called and Justified. Yes Paul knew and from this Holy record we know how God called Abram, and how He justified Jacob and it is noteworthy that Jacob should be named here as his very name denotes his sin and unworthiness[7]. God has not beheld it[8]. Not because it was not there, but because it was His eternal purpose to blot it out and not look upon it. One of the most wonderful things of all time and of all eternity. How God could justify the ungodly whom He called He also justified, and one of the most blessed occupations of the eternal future will be to sing the song of redemption. How that God has washed us from our sins to the praise of His beloved Son, and then the last step of glorification. Whom He justified them He also glorified[9]. What a picture we have of Israel here in their tents. What more delightful in landscape, scenery than a valley or a garden by the riverside, not a parched up plot of ground. How orderly the trees of lign aloes[10], everything in this picture speaks of prosperity and peace. Twice in the Scriptures we are reminded that God brought them out of Egypt. The past is referred to but only as a background for the glorious future. The same as in Eph 2[11]. Then and Now
[1] The theology here seems to be resolutely supersessionist with no hint of Christian Zionism
[2] Scofield "In the prophecies of Balaam God testifies on the half of His people rather than (as usual) to them. It is the divine testimony to their standing as a redeemed people in view of the serpent "lifted up" and off the water from the smitten rock. The estate was morally bad, but this was a matter concerning the discipline of God, not his judgment. The interpretation of the prophecies is literal as to Israel, typical as to Christians. Though Christ "lifted up" our standing is eternally secure and perfect, though our state may require the Father's discipline; meantime against all enemies, God is "for us" (Rom 8. 31).
[3] Numbers 23:19
[4] Numbers 23:9
[5] Genesis 15:5
[6] Numbers 23:10
[7] i.e. deceiver
[8] Numbers 23:21
[9] Romans 8:30
[10] Numbers 24:6
[11] see Ephesians 2:11-13