And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28)I'm in the habit of quoting it simply with "We know that God causes all things to work together for good." And I've been called on it. "No! He works it together for good if we love God." And, they're sort of right. But ... what does that mean? How is it good "to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose"?
Note, first, that while those are two descriptions, they're linked. That is, those who love God are called according to His purpose. You can't have one or the other; they go hand in hand. So, what's so good about it? I mean, what is the good that He works for those who are called according to His purpose as demonstrated by the fact that they love Him? Or, what is His purpose that makes it good to those who love Him? The answer is in the next verses, beginning with "For." (That is, "This is why that is true.")
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (Rom 8:29-30)Two ways, then, that God is working things for good. God's purpose in what He is doing is to conform us to the image of His Son, to shape us into ... family. Now, surely, you can see that those who don't love God would not consider that good. They don't want God tampering with them at all. But we do. And what better than to be shaped ... like Christ? The other good is His ultimate purpose for us ... to be glorified with Him ... which requires justification ... which is why He called us ... which is part of predestination. It's called "The Golden Chain of Salvation." It begins with His predestination, not our actions or choices. It is carried out by His calling, worked out in justification, and ending up with being glorified with Him -- His ultimate purpose for those who love Him. Now, hardships and difficulties and even successes may be perceived as good or not, but His purposes for His called ones are truly magnificent. That's what's so good about it.
3 comments:
However, it is also true just as you originally stated. God does cause all things to work together for good, full stop. But that's with the view of the ultimate good of glorifying God. Even the damnation of sinners is for the good of glorifying God.
If God is sovereign--and He is!--then ALL things work together exactly as He wishes; and if God is good--and He is!--then His process and its outcome will be good. I never grow tired of contemplating this glorious truth! I can be as steadfast in trusting in it as God is unwavering in His perfect purposes. Through it all, the Lord is forming me to be like Christ--the ultimate Virtuous One--how can that not be good in every way?
P.S. In response to the ones stipulating that this good outcome applies “if we love God,” not only does the text not read that way, but I am mindful that Paul is writing these things to believers, who are assumed to love God. Therefore, the promise is properly understood as you described it.
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