Romans 8:28 is one of the most beautiful passages in the entire Bible. It is often misunderstood and abused. In this passage Paul said, “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.” Let us look at what it does not teach.
First, it does not teach that God kills babies and small children. Sometimes when parents lose a child in death, they are told that God did it and knows what is best. Many misuse this passage as a proof text. God is a good God. He is benevolent in all His ways. When a baby dies or a loved one is killed or suffers much, let us be careful about blaming God. All the suffering, sickness, and dying is because of sin (Rom. 5:12).
Second, Romans 8:28 does not teach that hard times and troubles are of God. Sometimes folks will use this passage when they have had a burn out or when they have lost everything they once possessed. The entire book of Job teaches that this view is false. Job was a most righteous man and yet he lost everything he had plus was very much afflicted (Job 1:8-12). Let us not blame God with afflictions and the loss of earthly goods.
Third, this passage does not teach that all things work together for good for all people. Sometimes Romans 8:28 is used to console the ungodly and the wicked. Notice the qualifying statement of the passage. “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Things which happen to Christians (those who love God and are doing God’s will) always turn out for the good of Christians. This promise is not made to non-Christians. God only works things out for the good of Christians and Christians only. It may be that sometimes bad things work out for the good of alien sinners, but it is not because God has so promised according to Romans 8:28.
What does Romans 8:28 teach? It teaches that whatever comes in the life of a Christian God will turn it out for a blessing to that Christian. Romans 8:28 does not teach that God will bring bad things on Christians in order that He may turn the bad into the good. The passage teaches that whatever problems come into the life of a Christian, that the faithful child of God may rest assured that God will turn these into a blessing. God’s children may rest assured that His almighty hand will move things in such a way so as to turn out to be a blessing. This one promise should cause everyone to want to be a Christian.
Can you claim this promise? If not, become a Christian and claim it today.
-Malcolm L. Hill, January 12, 1934 – June 26, 2012
