Romans 8:28: "All things for our Good"

This passage in scripture is one of the most encouraging found in the whole Bible. It is amazing to meditate on this promise, and helps give us the right perspective on all things. It is a testament to the sovereignty of God, and proof that nothing happens without his knowledge or approval. It is amazing to think that God has planned our paths and knew us before the foundation of the earth. Paul begins this verse with a foundational truth that must be understood by all Christians as he says, "and we know". There is no uncertainty in this statement, rather it is an absolute truth that is always true. The statement Paul is referring to is that, "God causes all things to work together for good". MacArthur writes, "Paul emphasizes that God Himself brings about the good that comes to His people. This magnificent promise does not operate through impersonal statements, but requires divine action to fulfill". It is important to understand that Paul says, "ALL things". There are no qualifications to what God does or does not orchestrate, instead we are told He "causes all things". Rom. 8:39 explains that there is nothing that, "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus". MacArthur explains that "Paul is not saying that God prevents His children from experiencing things that can harm them. He is rather attesting that the Lord takes all that He allows to happen to His beloved children, even the worst things, and turns those things ultimately into blessings". There may be times where it is hard to see the good in a tragedy in life, however, we can rest assured that somehow God is working this out for good, even if we are never aware of it. As believers, we must have this trust to know that no matter what comes our way 1) God knows about it, and 2) He will work it out for good. Sometimes the "good" that is spoken of will have temporary benefit to us, and other times it will have eternal benefit to us, that we won't see here on earth. David writes, "All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies" (Ps. 25:10). Oftentimes, we are confronted with difficult circumstances here on earth, and we will begin to doubt God, questioning, how can anything good come out of this? However, we must look to the example of Joseph in the OT when he said, "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive". Also, we can draw from the very example of Christ. To the disciples, they were devastated and down trodden over the death of their close discipler and Lord, Jesus Christ. However, it was that very event of crucifixion and resurrection that allowed the disciples, as well as all others, to bee redeemed.

It is amazing to think that God can even use sin in someone's life to work out for good. We must understand that God does not cause sin or use it as an instrument in any way, however, he allows it in the lives of His children to show His power. MacArthur writes, "The Lord uses sin to bring good to His children by overruling it, canceling its normal evil consequences and miraculously substituting His benefits. Because it is often easier for us to recognize the reality and the wickedness of sin in other than in ourselves, God can cause the sins of other people to work for our good. If we are seeking to live a godly life in Christ, seeing a sin in others will make us hate and avoid it more". Therefore, as Christians, we must allows take every trial with the understanding that God has allowed this, and nothing happens outside of His will. It must be our goal then, not to just "get through" the trial, but to learn what God has for us to learn because of it.

Although there is no qualification in the "all things" Paul is referring to, there is one qualification to who these good things are worked out for. He continues, "to those who love God, to those who are called". It is only for the adopted children of God, that receive this divine promise. A believer can simply be defined as one who loves God. Only those who truly love God, will be saved by the blood of His Son, and only those who are saved, are those "who are called". MacArthur writes, "Just as our love originates with God, so does our calling into His heavenly family. In every way, the initiative and provision for salvation are God's. In their fallen sinful state, men are able only to hate God, because, regardless of what they may think, they are His enemies (Rom. 5:10) and children of His wrath (Eph. 2:3)". Believers are never saved on anything they can do, or any intrinsic value they have, it is always based on the grace and sovereignty of God, that we are chosen. We are redeemed, "according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity" (2 Tim. 1:9). Later on, Paul uses an example from the OT to show us that we are chosen before we were even born, "For though the twins were not yet born, and had not done anything good or bad, in order that God's purpose according to His choice might stand, not because of works, but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, 'The older will serve the younger.' Just as it is written, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated'" (Rom. 9:11-13). So Paul is again showing us that salvation is initiated with God and His grace toward us. This does not negate our responsibility to respond in faith, however, salvation would never be possible if God did not initiate this on our behalf.

So Paul has shown us that God works all things out for those who love God, who are those that only love God because they have been called, and we learn that they have been called, "according to His purpose". It is because it is God's will and desire that he causes all things to work for good. MacArthur writes, "God's broader purpose is to offer salvation to all mankind. As our Lord declared at the beginning of His earthly ministry, 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him" (John 3:16-17). In the context, of this verse in Romans, "Paul is speaking of the narrower, restricted meaning of God's purpose, namely His divine plan to save those whom He has called and 'predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son' (v.29). Therefore, the motivation for causing all things to work for those who love God, is because it is what God has purposed before the foundation of the world. In God's perfect sovereignty it has been His plan to save those who are His chosen, conform them to the image of His Son, and cause all things to work for God's good. What amazing promise to behold that it is God's purpose and plan to look out for us and use everything that happens to us for our and His ultimate good.