Dear friend in Christ,
Have you considered the Apostle Paul’s “Golden Chain of Redemption” found in Romans 8:28-30? It sings of God’s incredible work in our lives:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son… And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
As an Arminian, you likely see this as God’s gracious plan hinging on our free choice. I want to share why I find the Reformed view—that this chain reflects God’s sovereign grace—even more comforting, and I invite you to ponder it with me.
We both cherish the fact that God works all things for good, don’t we? But here’s where our paths might diverge. In your view, God looks down through time, sees who will freely choose Him, and predestines those folks based on their faith. It’s a beautiful thought—God honoring our decision, enabled by His grace, as John 3:16 invites “whoever believes” to eternal life. Yet, as I’ve lingered over Paul’s words, I’ve come to see this chain as something God forges entirely by His hand, not ours.
Let’s walk through it. Paul says God foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. In the Reformed view, “foreknew” isn’t just God knowing what we’ll do—it’s Him choosing us, setting His love on us before time began. Think of Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” This isn’t passive foresight; it’s active affection. From there, He predestines us to become like Christ, calls us to Himself, justifies us by faith, and promises to glorify us. It’s an unbreakable chain—everyone predestined is called, justified, and glorified. That’s the heartbeat of God’s sovereignty: He ensures our salvation from start to finish.
I know you might say, “But doesn’t God predestine based on seeing who’ll believe?” It’s a fair question, often called the “corridors of time” view. But here’s where it stumbles for me. This chain isn’t certain if God’s predestination depends on our choice. Someone predestined could still say no—or later turn away—breaking the link to glorification. Yet Paul writes with absolute assurance: all who are predestined reach glory. If our faith is the hinge, how can he be so sure?
Also, we both believe that God knows all things, right? If God is looking down the corridors of time in order to predestine those who freely choose Him, then He is making a decision based upon something outside of Himself. In effect, He is learning. God does not learn because He already has perfect knowledge of all things. He is omniscient.
Consider the comfort here. Romans 8 ends with a promise: “Nothing will separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:39). If salvation rests on my choice, I could falter—my will is shaky at times! But if it’s God’s chain, forged by His purpose, I’m secure. Look at Ephesians 1:4-5: “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world… he predestined us for adoption… according to the purpose of his will.” It’s His will, not mine, that holds me fast.
I hear your heart valuing free will, and I love that—it reflects God’s desire for all to come to Him (1 Timothy 2:4). But what if His sovereignty offers even more profound peace? If God foreknows and predestines, no one He loves is beyond His reach. It’s not about forcing us; it’s about drawing us with a love so sure that our faith is His gift (Philippians 1:29). We still respond—saying “yes” to His call—but He initiates and sustains it.
Friend, this chain isn’t a cold doctrine; it’s a warm promise. We’re not left wondering if we’ll hold up our end. God does it all, and we’re freed to love Him back, walking in the good works He prepared (Romans 8:28). Ponder this with me: What if this chain is God’s guarantee, not our gamble? Test it against Scripture—maybe peek at Calvin’s thoughts or Romans 9:11-13.
My hope isn’t to argue but to share a joy: salvation is God’s work, and that leaves me in awe of His grace.
In Christ’s love,
Jonathan