GOD'S BLESSING TO THOSE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE
READ ROMANS 8:28-39
I really appreciate this entire passage, so let me encourage you to think through what it is teaching. However, this morning I will focus upon Romans 8:28-31, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. 29For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called; and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
vs. 28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." The phrase “And we know” has the sense ‘and we realize.’ It is noteworthy the truth being developed is not that all individual things which befall a believer are good, but rather that they “work together for good.” What is evident is that the church at Rome was already experiencing persecution. Nero would soon unleash the full fury of his fiendish tyranny against the church there. Paul’s point was, what was already happening (and the worse to come) actually worked together for good “to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” The good which comes from such difficulty is restricted to “them that love God.” If there is any doubt to whom he refers, Paul enhances the thought with a phrase of further explanation: “to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The succeeding text will further define those who are “the called according to his purpose,” but in a word, it clearly refers to those who are saved. Therefore, the idea is that even adversity, opposition, and persecution, coming into the lives of God’s people, in reality, is for our good. The focus of the promise therefore seems to zoom in particularly upon those who are saved, who truly love the Lord, who are in His will, and who are actually doing it. What a wonderful promise for those seeking to live for God!
vs. 29 "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." The thought continues. The foreknowledge and will of God are clearly in view. The idea is not so much of sovereign will or irresistible grace as it is of God’s overall plan. The word translated as "predestinate" has the sense to ‘foreordain,’ or to ‘determine beforehand.’ The idea is of God’s overall will and plan. The key to understanding this passage is found in the phrase “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s will and plan always has been for us to be like Jesus. To be conformed to the image of His Son essentially means that. God in eternity past planned for us someday to be like His Son Jesus. God’s will is for us to be like Him! The final phrase “that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” is noteworthy. The word translated as "firstborn" conveys not so much the time of birth as it does the rank of birth. In middle-eastern culture, the firstborn assumed the mantle and rank of leadership upon the death of his father. He became the chief of the tribe or head of the clan. Not only is Jesus therefore our great elder brother, He is the One whom God has set forth for us to pattern our lives after—that we might be conformed to His image.
vs. 30 "Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified." The truths taught are taken to their conclusion. Once again, the thought is not of sovereign or irresistible grace. Rather, it is an overview of God’s working. As God planned a body of believers to be conformed to the image of His Son, He called them. That call remains to this day: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Unfortunately, not everyone called has come. However, for those who have responded to His call, “them He also justified.” The greater principle of justification, so fully developed, is thus related to God’s will, call, and plan. Furthermore, “whom He justified, them he also glorified.” The ultimate glorification of the believer is in view. In our standing or position in Christ, we already have been glorified. However, the fullness of that glorification yet awaits. Nevertheless, we thus far have received only the down payment in the gift of the Holy Spirit. But we have the hope of His glorification in our resurrected bodies and the full glory of salvation in that day. Therefore, our glorification is both accomplished and yet future.
vs. 31 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" The logical conclusion of all which has preceded is here presented. What more can be said. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” If God, in His great love wherewith He loved us, has done all of this and more on our behalf, who can prevail against us? Recall the backdrop of the gathering storms of opposition from the Jews and persecution from the Roman government. Romans eight, in its entirety, was designed to encourage and strengthen the beleaguered church at Rome. These great truths remain to this day.
I hope you are encouraged today by these truths. God has great purposes for each of us. Serve Him with joy and gladness, knowing "If God be for us, who can be against us!"
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How important is it to acknowledge the truth of Romans 8:28 in all things?
2. Why can you rest assured that even that which is negative is for your good?
3. What does it mean for you to be “conformed to the image” of Christ?
4. Is God for you (Romans 8:31)? Explain. Does it matter who is against you?