Romans 8:28
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 1973 flood of the Mississippi River was a huge setback for farmers who were counting on a crop to pay off their notes and obligations. While it was not good for the temporal concerns of the Mississippi Delta area residents, God has assured us in His Word that all things work for good for those who are called according to his purpose. Therefore, the flood of 1973 worked together with other things for the good of God’s purpose for believers. This purpose is a spiritual purpose and, as the next verse states, it is for believers to be conformed to the image of Christ. This promise of good does not include temporal concerns such as wealth and health, and it does not include unbelievers at all. This does not mean that God does not pour out temporal blessings on all people at times, but that is not the blessings this verse addresses. This verse is stating that all things work together for the spiritual good of those God has called and will call in the future.
An example of this would be the contribution that the pilgrims gave in founding this country. While it involved much suffering, even this suffering of the pilgrims several hundred years ago has worked and is still working for the good of people being called to this very day. The apostles suffered and died for the gospel, and this has worked together for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose.
Praise God that all things work together for the good of his purpose, and this purpose is to redeem and prepare a people to have eternal life as brothers and sisters with Jesus Christ. How is any temporal setback even worth comparing to this spiritual good that all things are working toward?
5 comments:
Though not a spiritual response to your post, I can't let it go by.
If it was under water once, it will be again. That's why I couldn't figure out why they built 'mud island'(Memphis, TN). There may be some good stuff happening down there but there is certainly alot of evil.
We have the rainbow promise, but that's about water covering the whole earth, not a single city. The flood may happen again at any time to wash away the filth of 'mud island'.
Wayne - So many people do not make the connection that you have between 8:28 and conformity to Christ. They totally miss what is so clearly being taught here. All things that come upon us are used of God to conform us to the image of His Son. That IS His Final goal for ALL believers.
THERE IS A CONNECTION!!! Let not man's theological systems separate.
Sista cala and Mark,
Thanks. I've been to Memphis many times and have heard of Mud Island, but have never been there. I will have to check it out.
Conformity to Christ is part of the work God does in us. I am amazed that some deny this.......
"good of those God has called and will call in the future"
A missionary friend of mine shared a message how the Tsunami that hit Indonesia opened up a door for the gospel into one of the Muslim dominated countries over there, which before ahnd was completely hostile to Christianity and the Gospel.
Now the Church has gone in and God is glorifying Himself in conversions.
Thanks for the very good thoughts on such a magnificient verse.
Donsands,
Thanks. That is an excellent illustration of this principle.
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