Romans 8:28-29. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For 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.
Romans 8:28 has been called a “pillow for the weary heart.” It’s a verse that if you have been a Christian for more than a minute or two you’ve probably heard. Maybe you’ve quoted it. Or maybe you’ve had it quoted to (or at) you. Some Christians find it to be a bit cliché. Like saying, “God is good. All the time.”
But the truth is Romans 8:28 is quite possibly the most glorious promise that we have in all of scripture. It should never become cliché to any of us. Instead, it should be claimed every day and poured deep into our weary hearts and souls.
The truth behind the promise of Romans 8:28 (and 29) is the ascension rule and reign of Jesus. It is because Jesus is on the throne, ruling over all things for our benefit, that we can know that all things will work out for our good and his glory. In order that Jesus might be glorified as the firstborn among many brothers and sisters, he is working in all things to conform us into his likeness. All from his ascension throne.
And where is that throne?
Yes, it is in Heaven. But, as we saw yesterday, the Father’s house is his temple. His temple is Christ, the body of Christ. The Church. Therefore, Christ’s ascension throne is in us. Thus the transformation into his image.
God is restoring all humanity through our union with Christ. We are being changed into the likeness of Christ by the Spirit, by grace, and by glory. Because of this gospel truth we can claim this promise: We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We know all things work for the good because we are destined to live forever in God’s family, as his sons and daughter.
We know all things work for the good because we have been and are being gloriously transformed into the same likeness as Christ.
We know all things work for the good because our future is this secure, this grand, this holy, this spectacular.
We know all things work for the good because the ascended Jesus reigns over all things for our good.
If we know the outcome of our lives (and we do), then we know that if God is in control (he is), everything leading up to that final outcome must contribute to that final outcome – the conforming of our lives to Christ’s life.
And all things means all things. Successes. Failures. Rejoicing. Sorrowing. The good. The bad. The ugly. The infinitely seen and unseen. Known and unknown. It all contributes to our transformation into the sons and daughters of God who image Christ. Even when we sin, God turns it into part of the equation for our conformation into Christ.
How is this possible? In Christ. Good is who Jesus is and good is what Jesus does. He takes everything that is futile or purposeful, worthy or unworthy, right or wrong, and transforms it into the good. The ultimate good – the renewed image of God in us, his ultimate creation.
This is the sovereign providence of our ruling King at work. This is why we can trust him and declare him to be good in all things – because his goal for us is good. It is perfection. Holiness. Love. This should fill us with great gratitude and faith in God. Without him, nothing would ever work out for this ultimate good. All would end in meaninglessness. Without him we would be at the mercy of fate. But instead we are IN the mercy of God.
Please note that this verse doesn’t say “all things are good.” Nope. Just because Christ is on the throne doesn’t mean he is preventing all evil. Not should we ever call what is evil, “good.” The truth is that Christians experience all the same things, good and bad, that everyone else does. It rains on the just and the unjust. But the promise of this verse is that all things, from the senseless tragedy, to the planned out evil, God will use to change us. But this does NOT change the thing itself. It is still futility. It is still evil.
This promise and the rule of Christ does not make suffering good. It does not make it something to be embraced or sought after. But it does mean that we no longer have to despair in our suffering. We no longer need to doubt God’s love for us. The cross proves this. Our union with Christ proves this. And Christ on the throne proves this. In Christ, now everything has meaning. Everything serves his ultimate purpose – our conformity to the life and love of Jesus.
You: Has Romans8:28 been a cliché to you, or a fabulous promise.
You in Christ: How might your life be different if you truly believed that everything is used by Jesus to make you like him?
Christ in you: Christ is being formed in you. Can you see the evidence of this in your daily life?
Prayer: Father, all your promises are great but this one is extra special. Not just because of its tremendous breadth, but also because of its outcome – I will be like Jesus. Cause me to claim this promise in each and every situation I face. Amen.
To Live is Christ 