Chapter 8 of Paul’s letter to the Romans is probably one of the best-known chapters in the Bible. We find one of the verses most used, cited, and memorized by the Christian people: Verse 28.
Let’s look at three versions of the verse: the New International Version, The American Bible, and the Reina-Valera 1995 version.
Now, we know that God works all things for the good of those who love him, those who have been called according to his purpose.
(ROMANS 8:28, NIV)
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, that is, for those who are called according to his purpose.
(ROMANS 8:28, ESV)
We also know that all things work together for good to those who love God, that is, to those who are called according to his purpose.
(ROMANS 8:28, KJV)
WHAT DOES ROMANS 8:28 MEAN?
Now, we know that God works all things for the good of those who love him, those who have been called according to his purpose.
(ROMANS 8:28)
Let’s briefly analyze the sentences in the text.
1. WE KNOW
God speaks with his children and reveals to us through his Word and the Holy Spirit what we need to know. That is why it is so important to have a daily time of communion with God. He longs to bring us peace, encouragement, and new strength, but we must seek his presence and hear his voice.
Let’s see a bit of context. Verses before 28 say:
Likewise, in our weakness, the Spirit comes to help us. We don’t know what to ask for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that cannot be expressed in words. And God, who examines hearts, knows what the Spirit’s intention is because the Spirit intercedes for believers according to God’s will.
(Romans 8: 26-27)
We see that in our moments of uncertainty and weakness, we can empty our hearts before God and bring our struggles before him. Even amid the deepest sadness, we can trust God and his goodness.
The indwelling Holy Spirit intercedes with intensity on our behalf when our prayer consists only of tears. It affirms who we are in God because of what he has done. It gives us peace and reminds us that God will work according to his will. Thanks to this knowledge and certainty, we can live in confidence.
Renew hope in your life with these 20 verses.
2. GOD ARRANGES ALL THINGS
God is sovereign and omniscient. He knows all things from eternity to eternity. Nothing that happens to us surprises him. We must always trust that if he allows something in our lives to be good or bad, easy or difficult, he will accompany us and help us to overcome the situation. We are counting on your presence! Even when we do not see a clear solution, our faith must be placed only in God and His goodness amid that circumstance.
3. FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM
We see that this promise that everything helps for good is directed to a specific group of people: those who love God! As much as the rest of the world memorizes and quotes this phrase, it is not something magical that happens just by wishing for it or saying it. The result of every situation that comes our way in life will be good if we love God.
But beware! This does not mean that we will obtain the desired result or that God will fulfill our wishes to the letter. Not! What the verse says is that this situation will result in a benefit for us. And the greater good that God wants for us is that we live with him, within his will, according to what he wants to accomplish in our lives.
We can think of biblical characters like Daniel, Joseph, Ruth, Paul, and even Jesus. Each of them went through complicated situations that, at the time, must have been quite heavy burdens for them. However, as we read their stories today, we do so from the victorious perspective of the good that arose from those circumstances. We can trust that the story of our lives will also be read at some point.
4. THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED ACCORDING TO THEIR PURPOSE
God chose us, called us, and has a purpose for each of his children. Its purpose is always good for our growth and spiritual well-being. In Psalm 138, we find verses that reflect the same sentiment as Romans 8:28. We see that God does not leave us alone in difficult moments. He sustains us and accompanies us. We count on your presence and your support.
Although I go through great anguish, you will give me life; You will stretch out your hand against the fury of my enemies: your right hand will save me! The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Your great love, Lord, lasts forever; Do not abandon the work of your hands!
(Psalm 138: 7-8)
The great love of the Lord sustains us amid difficulties and abides forever. It does not matter if anguish or enemies come into our life because we do not have to face them alone. The Lord is with us, and he will never abandon us. Furthermore, he has a good purpose amid that situation, and I can live firm in that confidence.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.
(Psalm 138: 8a)
GOD DOES NOT PROMISE A LIFE WITHOUT PROBLEMS
It is important to remember that God has never promised us a rosy life full of pleasures and free from problems. Quite the opposite. He warns us in John 16:33:
“I have told you these things so that you may find peace in me. In this world, you will face afflictions, but take courage! I have conquered the world.”
ROMANS 8
Chapter 8 of the book of Romans begins by stating that there is no condemnation for those who follow Jesus Christ. One of the freedoms we have in Christi’s freedom from condemnation. This is so because there is no sin in Jesus, and without sin, there can be no condemnation. When God looks at us, he sees Jesus and his redemptive work in us.
That union with Jesus results in a life according to the Spirit, free from the law of sin and death. Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who live in Jesus and are under the control of the Holy Spirit. But the chapter’s blessings and victories depend on that unity with Jesus.
SUMMARY
Romans 8:28, which reads, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” is one of the verses in the New Testament that is recited and memorized more than any other. Every day, Christians can find solace, direction, and hope in God’s Word by reading this passage. Sadly, it is also one of the Bible’s frequently misquoted and misunderstood verses.