And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

I suppose that Romans 8:28 has been on almost as many walls and hearts as John 3:16. It is special, like some of mother’s dishes, and perhaps it should be used more often in the pulpits.

Here is some of heaven’s best wine—a divine cordial. Here is some of the finest wheat from our Father’s granary that we might eat and be strengthened to meet every adversity and adversary. Here is an anchor that will hold in the storms of life—all for good. Here is a balm to heal every wound in the battle of the ages—all for good. Here are glasses to see good in every evil—all for good. Here is a warm note of sympathy from the great heart of God to console any loss—all for good. Here is a spade to uproot every poisonous plant of bitterness—all for good. Here is an exceedingly great and precious promise, a key to unlock the doors of every “doubting castle” to escape from every “giant despair.” Consider…

The purpose of this promise.

The word “and” takes us back to Paul’s theme of sufferings. In our troubles, hope strengthens us (Romans 8:18, 24–25); the Spirit helps us in prayer (Romans 8:26–27); and we rest in the knowledge of God’s good providence (Romans 8:28). This is another firm support for our assurance. Can suffering and hardship defeat us? No—they work to move us forward toward heaven (Romans 5:3–5; Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4:17).

Now consider the certainty of this great and precious promise.

This is shown in the little word “know” (Romans 8:28). There are many things we do not know. We don’t know how to pray as we should (Romans 8:26). We don’t know God’s timing (Acts 1:7). We often don’t know our own hearts (Jeremiah 17:9). We don’t know as we ought to know (1 Corinthians 8:2).

But there are things we do know, and here is solid ground to stand on with your full weight: nothing can finally stop your spiritual growth (Philippians 1:6). We don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future (Psalm 31:15). We don’t know the details, but we know the plan (Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 46:10). We don’t know how we will fare in our battles, but we know God has promised us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57; Romans 8:37).

I might be traveling to a destination in the south of the country. The route takes me through some mountains with some switchback roads. I see by the compass that I’m going north instead of south. I think I must be on the wrong road but then I look up and see a highway sign and I know that indeed I’m on the right road and that this direction will only take me closer toward my destination.

God promised. This is not a word from parents, not a president, not a pope, not a pastor, but from the highest official in the universe. He is engineering the cosmos for our good (Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11).

The pervasiveness of this promise—the extent.

This is depicted by all things. Sure, the good things work for good, but what about the bad things? Yes—all things work for good because there is a God over all, over heaven and earth, who “works all things after the counsel of his will” to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:11; Ephesians 4:6; Psalm 115:3). Even our hairs are numbered (Matthew 10:30).

The privilege of this promise, that is the blessing.

It is summed up in the word good. Are all things that happen to the Christian good? What about Job’s losses, Stephen’s stoning, and David’s sin? What about that speeding ticket?

The bad things indeed are bad; but it is what God does with the bad thing. Job’s loss was a miserable thing, but God brought good out of it (Job 1:13–22; Job 42:10). Through Stephen’s stoning preachers were scattered everywhere (Acts 7:54–60; Acts 8:1–4). Through Paul’s shipwreck came the conversion of the Maltese people (Acts 27:41–44; Acts 28:1–10). Through David’s wanderings came many of the Psalms.

But you say, these are all outward evils. What about sin? Joseph’s brothers sinned against him—they meant it for evil, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). The fall of man brought out the glories of grace (Romans 5:20–21; Ephesians 1:6–7). The devil only furthered the purpose and glory of God (Job 1–2; Colossians 2:15). The crucifixion of Christ only spilled the blood by which we are redeemed (Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19). God makes the wrath of the enemy to praise him (Psalm 76:10).

But what about my sins? Here the promise gets incredibly bold. Remember it was through Jonah’s sin that the sailors were converted (Jonah 1:14–16). David’s sin yielded comforting Scripture and an example to all who fall as to how to get up again (Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12:13). Peter’s fall enabled him to strengthen the brethren (Luke 22:32; John 21:15–17). We must be so bold as to conclude that my sin brings good and furthers the purpose of God (Romans 8:28; Romans 5:20).

Shall we then conclude, “Let us do evil that good may come”? Never! (Romans 3:8) First, sin is always devilish (1 John 3:8). Second, we must never presume on God (Romans 6:1–2). Third, it is always better to not have sinned at all. Think of the terror that David experienced because of his sin (Psalm 32:3–4).

We must realize furthermore that this good is not money, nor long life, nor mere happiness. It is holiness. See the following verse: conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). We are made partakers of His holiness by our sins and the subsequent chastisement (Hebrews 12:10–11). Paul’s thorn brought humility (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). Israel’s enemies left in the land taught them warfare (Judges 3:1–2). That injury teaches us that we are frail as a flower (Psalm 103:15–16; Isaiah 40:6–8). “Often more is learned from the sickbed than a sermon.” These things drive us to our knees in dependency on God (2 Corinthians 1:8–9).

The people to whom this promise is made.

This is given us by “those who love him” and “those who are called” (Romans 8:28). It does not apply to the non-Christian. His good ends up a curse (Proverbs 1:32). The things he accumulates only further his sin. The things he inherits only further his prodigality. The things, the honors, the comforts he acquires only further his pride and self-sufficiency. He is under the wrath of God (John 3:36), and the bigger the building the worse the man is buried when it falls.

This promise applies to those who love God. Why love? It is likely in contrast to what he said in verse 7—the hostility of the natural man (Romans 8:7). Man by nature is not in a neutral position (Ephesians 2:1–3; Romans 3:10–12). Well, while many would admit that they aren’t where they could be with God, yet they would maintain that they really don’t hate God. The problem with that is that God defines loving him as an all-out endeavor, no strings attached. To neglect God is to hate him (Matthew 12:30). So, this is a distinguishing mark of a true Christian.

Then it says, called. It is just like a father calling his son into the house—only when God does it, His call is effectual. “Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43–44). There is a general, ineffectual call (Matthew 22:14). But this one here gets the job done, and this call of God—going back to His love for us in eternity—is why we love him (Romans 8:30; 1 John 4:19).

Why does it go on to say, called according to his purpose? God is a God of purpose (Ephesians 1:11; Isaiah 46:10). He is not like children who make a putty pot and then destroy it. He is not like a father who calls his son and then forgets why. His call is with a reason. What is that purpose? It is that we might be conformed to Christ, now progressively and then perfectly, and share in His glory (Romans 8:29–30).

Conclusion and Application.

This is for our examination. Are you in love with God? Is he the supreme reality in your life? Do you talk about him? Everyone talks about the one or the thing they love. Some love hunting and you know it by the way they talk. Is the reading of the Word a delight, or is it a mere duty and a drudgery? What do you do in your spare time? Are you called of God? Are you amazed at what God has done for you? Is there evidence? This is the meaning of 2 Peter 1:10—making your calling sure—sure by the fruitfulness mentioned in the foregoing passage (2 Peter 1:5–8). If these tests are not a reality, then God does not love you and does not have a wonderful plan for your life like some false preachers say.

This is for our consolation. Your final salvation is sure, and God is in charge of your life to bring everything toward that end (Romans 8:30; Romans 8:31–39). If I know that I’m predestined to arrive at New York, then I know that each step must somehow be working that way. Nothing can hinder my progress. All curses shall be turned to blessings (Romans 8:28). In all these things we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

This is for our humiliation. What put such a great difference between me and my neighbor? It was God’s eternal purpose (1 Corinthians 4:7; Ephesians 1:4–5).

This is for our liberation. This ought to set us free from grumbling, anxiety, purposelessness, depression, and despair. We should never say, “Who will show us any good?” (Psalm 4:6) We should not say like old Jacob, “All these things are against me” (Genesis 42:36). We should not feel like Naomi, “The Lord brought me back empty” (Ruth 1:21). They felt that way because they did not see the bigger picture. Children throw a fit if their toys are taken away by another. They only need to see the bigger picture that soon they will have them back. The worldling’s optimism is a false hope. He has fixed up his ship very nicely, but he does not realize that there is a great hole down in the lower parts. Our house is not built on sand (Matthew 7:24–27). Our feet are set upon a rock (Psalm 40:2), and the slippery places are for the wicked (Psalm 73:18). Our latter end is glory (Psalm 73:24; Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17).

It is for our admiration. Praise God who is able to work all things this way. Like the watch with gears turning in opposite directions, yet the outcome is right. Like two chemicals which are harmful in themselves, when mixed right they are good medicine. This is our God. This is the harmony of providence. “With mercy and with judgment, my web of time He wove.”

This is for our proclamation. “Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’” (Psalm 96:10; Isaiah 52:7)

This is for our exhortation. Do you know it? Do you really believe it is all for good? (Romans 8:28)