And we know that he works all things together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
- Jacob cried: all these things are against me.
- Paul: all things are working together for good.
- So whose side are you on? Jacob’s or Paul’s?
Recognise this verse? You should do, it’s a very well known one. Many love to quote it; but only part of it. Let’s investigate!
This verse can’t be universally applied. There are provisos or qualifications to it. It is “the good” for his purposes, not ours.
- For those who love Him – in other words it is a promise for Christians, not everyone. It is not a promise that all things work together for the good of all people.
- For the good – what does for the good mean? Riches? Health? Happiness? Success? Fame? Things? The concept of “good” means to be conformed to the likeness of his Son. It is hard to see how anyone but Christians would even want this.
- All things – We can understand how sickness, suffering, persecution and other troubles can be used by God to a good end result if conformity to the character of Christ is the goal. He uses everything for His purpose. Christ-likeness!
- Called according to His purpose – Related to His call to repent of sin, turn to the Lord and be saved. [This is the general call to become a Christian; not the specific call to serve as His servant or for some special anointing]
Once we know the context of the verse thoroughly we won’t abuse its domain or scope.
Ian Vail
You don’t stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing.
Anon