This message begins with the gospel from Romans 5:1-2 before expounding the promise that all those who know Christ by faith will ultimately be conformed to the image of Christ. The Romans 5 section speaks of being justified by faith and having peace with God. Peace with God is about the reconciliation of previous enemies, not inner tranquility. Many people think they believe in God, but reject the fact that they are God’s enemies and under His wrath (Romans 5:8-10). Only those who trust Christ and His once for all shed blood have peace with God. Believers are those who are assured that the His promises in Romans 8:28-39 mean that we cannot be separated from God’s love. Five verbs in the past tense are often called the “golden chain”: foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Each one is about the certainty of God bringing each of His own into conformity to the image of Christ. They are in the past tense which here is proleptic—describing  future certainty. The context shows that nothing can separate believers from conformity to the image of Christ. We also see that Christ intercedes for us, as does the Holy Spirit. The various enemies that we might think will thwart God’s promises cannot and will not. This doctrine of God’s providence is Biblical and essential. God does keep His promises to His elect.