Romans 8:28 is one of the most well-known and cherished verses in the Bible. In the English Standard Version, it reads: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This verse promises that God has a purpose for those He calls, and that He works all things together for the good of His people. But what exactly does it mean to be “called according to His purpose”? Let’s explore this powerful verse in more detail.
Context of Romans 8:28
Romans chapter 8 comes in the broader context of Paul’s letter to the Romans. This letter served as a theological treatise explaining the gospel message and its implications. Romans 8 focuses on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Before verse 28, Paul discusses the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit (Romans 8:5-11), the privileges of being adopted as sons of God (8:12-17), and the future glory that believers can hope for despite present sufferings (8:18-27).
With this context in mind, Paul transitions to the profound truths of verse 28. He provides encouragement in the midst of affliction by reminding readers of God’s sovereign plan. This verse does not promise that all things will be good. But it does promise God works through all circumstances for the ultimate good of His beloved children.
The Meaning of “Those Who Love God”
“For those who love God” describes the recipients of this promise. Loving God means devotion to Him evidenced by obedience to His commands (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). Those who love God are believers who have placed their faith in Christ alone for salvation. They seek an intimate relationship with Him, desire to live according to His will, and aim to glorify Him.
This promise does not apply universally. It is conditional upon loving God. Those who reject Christ or live in open rebellion against God cannot claim this promise. The blessings described in this verse belong exclusively to God’s people.
The Meaning of “Who Are Called”
In addition to loving God, the recipients of the promise are “those who are called.” This calling refers to God’s effectual calling of people to salvation. Theologians sometimes distinguish between the general call and effectual call of God. The general call refers to the universal invitation of the gospel. Passages like Isaiah 45:22 and Matthew 11:28-30 offer salvation to all. But the effectual call is when God enables a person to respond in faith. As John 6:44 says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”
All true believers in Christ have received the effectual, irresistible call of God. Through this internal summons, the Holy Spirit convinces them of their sin and need for a Savior (John 16:8-11). God grants repentance and faith to those He calls so they willing respond and receive Christ.
The Meaning of “According to His Purpose”
The next key phrase is “according to his purpose.” This highlights God’s supreme purpose in calling sinners to Himself. Ephesians 1:4-6 describes this purpose. In love God predestined believers to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ according to His will and for the praise of His glorious grace.
God’s purpose in calling people to salvation includes:
- The praise of His glory (Eph 1:6, 12, 14)
- Conforming believers to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29)
- A holy people set apart for Himself (Eph 1:4)
- To demonstrate His grace and mercy (Eph 2:4-7)
- That believers do good works (Eph 2:10)
When Paul says “called according to His purpose,” he means the saving call of God accomplishes His predetermined plan. All whom God calls, He calls purposely to bless and transform their lives for His glory.
The Promise that “All Things Work Together for Good”
Paul concludes verse 28 with an incredible promise that “all things work together for good.” “All things” refers to everything that occurs within the sphere of God’s sovereign plan. The good and bad, big and small, joyous and painful – nothing lies outside God’s foreordination and control.
“Work together” indicates God weaves all circumstances into a unified tapestry for good. He actively uses all things in the believer’s life in an interconnected, coordinated way to produce something beneficial.
The “good” in this verse primarily refers to conformity to Christ and the believer’s final glorification (Romans 8:29-30). No matter what happens, every part moves the believer along in God’s plan of salvation. Even evil cannot thwart God’s ultimate purpose of crowning believers with eternal life.
This promise brings great comfort. But we must interpret it carefully in light of other Scriptures. God uses trials for our growth, but He does not author evil (James 1:13). Suffering is profoundly painful, and we should pray for relief (2 Cor 12:7-10). But when God allows trials, we can trust He will powerfully work in all things for our everlasting joy in Christ.
How Does God Work All Things for Good?
If God works all things for good, then how does He do it? The rest of Romans 8 fills out the picture of how God redeems every circumstance in the believer’s life.
- By granting His presence: Romans 8:9 says the Spirit of God dwells within believers. He comforts and intercedes for them in the midst of suffering (8:26-27).
- By completing His work: God works infallibly to conform believers to Christ’s image until final salvation (8:29-30). He sealed and guarantees believers an imperishable inheritance (8:31-39).
- By developing Christlike character: As mentioned earlier, one aspect of God’s purpose in trials is forming holiness. He uses suffering to teach endurance, perseverance, and tested faith (James 1:2-4; Rom 5:3-5; 1 Pet 1:6-7).
- By drawing people to Himself: God often uses trials to stir spiritual growth. Hardships wake us up out of complacency, drive us to prayer, and renew our reliance on Christ.
- By changing eternal perspective: Suffering fixes our hope on eternity. Present afflictions are momentary compared to the glory to come (Rom 8:18; 2 Cor 4:17). This hope gives strength to persevere.
In all these ways and more, God powerfully redeems every circumstance to conform believers to Christ’s image so they can receive the full inheritance of eternal life.
Implications of Romans 8:28
This magnificent verse contains great comfort and hope for believers undergoing trials. But it also contains sobering truths.
First, it eliminates chance. Nothing happens outside of God’s watchful eye and sovereign will. We do not believe in cold fatalism but in a loving Father who actively works to care for His children.
Second, Romans 8:28 is not a promise to all. It is conditioned upon faith in Christ. Those who continually reject God’s general call cannot claim His effectual call or this promise.
Third, this verse does not teach that all things are good. Evil remains evil. But God powerfully redeems every circumstance for His children’s eternal blessing.
Fourth, this verse calls us to perseverance. God’s work in all things is not passive. As we rely on His Spirit, He molds us into the image of Christ through life’s ups and downs.
Fifth, this truth fosters deep reverence for God’s sovereignty. He works all things according to His wise and loving purpose for our salvation. We can trust His perfect will even when we cannot trace His hand.
Romans 8:28 offers incredible encouragement. For those called by God and indwelt by His Spirit, nothing lies outside His sovereign providence. All things will ultimately work for our eternal good as God conforms us to Christ’s image so we can receive our full inheritance.
