Romans 8:28

[NewCreation435]

My pastor mentioned this verse today and though I heard it many times I thought it was worthy of some discussion

28 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. Romans 8:28, NIV

So, what does it mean to you "who have been called according to His purpose."

The verse was brought up to share that there are seasons in our lives when we have trials and sorrows and difficulties. And that God is working to accomplish his will even through those things.

 

[MennoSota]

The full passage should be considered to see what leads to Paul's statement and what comes after his statement. When viewed in its whole we see the work of God in choosing us and adopting us. We see how this passage connects with Paul's statements in Ephesians 1 where he also discusses adoption.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
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.
29 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.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

 

[MoreCoffee]

The full passage should be considered ...

Of course none of us has a bible so we need somebody to quote it for us just so we can see it ...

 

[MennoSota]

Of course none of us has a bible so we need somebody to quote it for us just so we can see it ...

The problem is you fail to read it and learn, MC.
You desperately love your prooftext as your means of asserting false teaching.
Look around the one verse so you can understand what the Spirit is saying through Paul. Stop putting your blinders up.

 

[NewCreation435]

The problem is you fail to read it and learn, MC.
You desperately love your prooftext as your means of asserting false teaching.
Look around the one verse so you can understand what the Spirit is saying through Paul. Stop putting your blinders up.

Please stop the personal attacks. Let's stay on topic please

 

[NewCreation435]

The full passage should be considered to see what leads to Paul's statement and what comes after his statement. When viewed in its whole we see the work of God in choosing us and adopting us. We see how this passage connects with Paul's statements in Ephesians 1 where he also discusses adoption.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
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.
29 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.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What I am seeing is Paul talking about the future glory to be revealed for the believer. Also, that the Holy Spirit is one who comes alongside us and helps us even in our prayers.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Albert Barnes' notes on the bible says

[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.
[Barnes]

Romans 8:28
And we know - This verse introduces another source of consolation and support, drawn from the fact that all things are under the direction of an infinitely wise Being, who has purposed the salvation of the Christian, and who has so appointed all things that they shall contribute to it.
All things - All our afflictions and trials; all the persecutions and calamities to which we are exposed. Though they are numerous and long-continued yet they are among the means that are appointed for our welfare.
Work together for good - They shall cooperate; they shall mutually contribute to our good. They take off our affections from this world; they teach us the truth about our frail, transitory, and lying condition; they lead us to look to God for support, and to heaven for a final home; and they produce a subdued spirit. a humble temper, a patient, tender, and kind disposition. This has been the experience of all saints; and at the end of life they have been able to say it was good for them to be afflicted; Psa 119:67, Psa 119:71; Jer 31:18-19; Heb 12:11.
For good - For our real welfare; for the promotion of true piety, peace, and happiness in our hearts.
To them that love God - This is a characteristic of true piety. To them, afflictions are a blessing. To others, they often prove otherwise. On others they are sent as chastisements; and they produce complaining, instead of peace; rebellion, instead of submission; and anger, impatience, and hatred, instead of calmness, patience, and love. The Christian is made a better man by receiving afflictions as they should be received, and by desiring that they should accomplish the purpose for which they are sent; the sinner is made more hardened by resisting them, and refusing to submit to their obvious intention and design.
To them who are the called - Christians are often represented as called of God. The word êëçôï kle is sometimes used to denote an external invitation, offer, or calling; Mat 20:16; Mat 22:14. But excepting in these places, it is used in the New Testament to denote those who had accepted the call, and were true Christians; Rom 1:6-7; 1Co 1:2, 1Co 1:24; Rev 17:14. It is evidently used in this sense here - to denote those who were true Christians. The connection as well as the usual meaning of the word, requires us thus to understand it. Christians are said to be called because God has invited them to be saved, and has sent into their heart such an influence as to make the call effectual to their salvation. In this way their salvation is to be traced entirely to God.
According to his purpose - The word here rendered purpose ðñï prothesis means properly a proposition, or a laying down anything in view of others; and is thus applied to the bread that was laid on the table of show-bread; Mat 12:4; Mar 2:26; Luk 6:4. Hence, it means, when applied to the mind, a plan or purpose of mind. It implies that God had a plan, purpose, or intention, in regard to all who became Christians. They are not saved by chance or hap-hazard. God does not convert people without design; and his designs are not new, but are eternal. What he does. he always meant to do. What it is right for him to do, it was right always to intend to do. What God always meant to do, is his purpose or plan. That he has such a purpose in regard to the salvation of his people, is often affirmed; Rom 9:11; Eph 1:11; Eph 3:11; 2Ti 1:9; Jer 51:29. This purpose of saving his people is,

(1)One over which a creature can have no control; it is according to the counsel of his own will; Eph 1:11.
(2)it is without any merit on the part of the sinner - a purpose to save him by grace; 2Ti 1:9.
(3)it is eternal; Eph 3:11.
(4)it is such as should excite lively gratitude in all who have been inclined by the grace of God to accept the offers of eternal life. They owe it to the mere mercy of God, and they should acknowledge him as the fountain and source of all their hopes of heaven.​

​

 

[Josiah]

My pastor mentioned this verse today and though I heard it many times I thought it was worthy of some discussion

28 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. Romans 8:28, NIV

So, what does it mean to you "who have been called according to His purpose."

The verse was brought up to share that there are seasons in our lives when we have trials and sorrows and difficulties. And that God is working to accomplish his will even through those things.

I don't know....


The verse does NOT say that all things that happen are good.... but I do think it indicates that somehow all things "turn out" good. When? How? I don't know....


I think of the millions of Christians over centuries who died in "The Black Death" in Europe..... I think of all those Christians who have died in Stalinist Russia, in China and Japan, in Africa, in Muslim countries.... it's hard for ME to see how that turned out for "good" to anything or anyone....


Yeah, they ended up in Heaven (as they would even if this evil didn't happen) and given the CONTEXT, it MAY be that's all this verse is saying: regardless of what happens HERE, ultimately "heaven is our home."


I don't quote this verse precisely because I'm not sure WHAT it means.....


Sorry...


- Josiah


.

 

[Albion]

I apparently see it as less specific than others do.

To me, it means that God has plans for his Elect, and what they are called by him to do is in synch with his greater plan.

 

[MennoSota]

Please stop the personal attacks. Let's stay on topic please

The topic is Romans 8:28 and what it means. The only way I can know what it means is to see what comes before it and after it.
So...
God's ordained will for the elect, chosen, children of God is good. This means that no matter how high the waves or how rough the sea, the purpose of life is for our good, our sanctification and God's glory.
As C.H. Spurgeon once said: "I have learned to kiss the wave that tosses me onto the Rock of Ages."

 

[NewCreation435]

I don't know....


The verse does NOT say that all things that happen are good.... but I do think it indicates that somehow all things "turn out" good. When? How? I don't know....


I think of the millions of Christians over centuries who died in "The Black Death" in Europe..... I think of all those Christians who have died in Stalinist Russia, in China and Japan, in Africa, in Muslim countries.... it's hard for ME to see how that turned out for "good" to anything or anyone....


Yeah, they ended up in Heaven (as they would even if this evil didn't happen) and given the CONTEXT, it MAY be that's all this verse is saying: regardless of what happens HERE, ultimately "heaven is our home."


I don't quote this verse precisely because I'm not sure WHAT it means.....


Sorry...


- Josiah


.

It is hard to see how some things result in good. I think we have to trust God in this because perhaps the greatest good is what he is doing inside of us where others cannot see. John 15:1-5 talks about how branches that grow fruit he prunes, so it will bear more fruit. I think that is what some of the testing in life results in. It results in the fruit of the Spirit that God sees and honors.