“(28) We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (29) For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (30) And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified (Rom. 8:28-30).”
Verse 28 can be translated differently based on the manuscript used. (1) In everything God works for good with those who love him – God cooperates in all things with those who love. (2) God makes all things work together for the good of those who love him. (3) All things work together for good for those who love God. No matter which translation is used, it is God’s purpose and plan that are the foundation of the Christian life because God is in control. We are ‘predestined’ because God’s plan for all who accept his call has already been determined – to bring them to eternal life with Him. Since God is not constrained by time as we are, God knows who will and who will not respond to His divine call. Those who respond to God’s call should conform themselves to the image of Christ because they share in the life of the risen Christ; “The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17).” We must cooperate with God’s grace. Divine Grace will not magically transform us but will give us the spiritual strength to become more Christ like. Therefore, conforming ourselves to God’s plan has four aspects – God’s call, our election (acceptance), our predestination (God’s ultimate plan for us), and our justification (Christ’s death and resurrection). These lead to our final destination of eternal life with God for all who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
Doing God’s will works for the good of all, but it does not mean that everything we do will work out for our good. Let us trust God and call on Him at all times for guidance.
Almighty God, from whom all good things come, grant that we who call on you may at your prompting discern what is right, and by your guidance do what is right. This we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Luis A. Martin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Antonio Garcia-Moreno, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy, & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (1999). The Navarre Bible - New Testament.. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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