Thursday, May 18, 2023 Submitted by Kay Crumley
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:26-30
Hope Now and Forever
One of the closely held promises people often refer to is found in these verses. Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
The first part is what we want to ‘hang our hat on’ in the phrase “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good...” however there is more to the verse and in the passage surrounding it than that hope for all things working out for our good.
Paul wrote to the church in Rome because of the many challenges they were facing as he wanted to visit them and bring encouragement, but he couldn’t be there in person. He had taught many lessons to them prior to this passage in this letter. In these verses Paul is teaching them about the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer as He intercedes for us when we don’t know how to pray. There are times when we are unable to find the right words, when the circumstances are overwhelming, yet in verses 26 and 27 we read that the Spirit helps us in our weakness by interpreting our groanings because He lives in us, He knows our innermost thoughts. He searches our hearts and tells God the Father what we are unable to voice. He changes our groans to align with the will of the Father when they reach Him.
Then when He works things out for the good of those who love Him it is always according to His purpose. Even in the most difficult of circumstances believers can rest in faith that God will use those challenges for their good and His glory. In the last part of verse 28 we see the way the Father works out for some. Good will come out of all things for those who are “called according to His purpose”. The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives from the time we become Christians until we join Him in heaven is to mold us into His image. We are sanctified, set apart for His purpose. Verse 29a “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son”. It is our destiny to be like Him. Ephesians 4:24 And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Jesus Christ paid the debt we owe because of our sinfulness and provides grace for us to live a righteous life if we have faith in Him. Verse 30b “and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified”. Glorification comes when we meet Him in Heaven.
As believers we have many promises and assurances in the Word. Our hope, that which is not yet seen, is found in His promises. God will cause all things to work for our benefit and to His glory. Our focus must be on Him, His character, and His will for us to see the good He brings to our lives.
