◄ What Does Romans 8:28 Mean? ►

God ordained His redemptive plan and purpose in the eternal council chambers of heaven before the foundation of the world. That plan is a good plan, a perfect plan, a plan which will come to fruition when Christ is all in all. A plan where God is working all things together for His own glory and for the eternal good of all who trust Him as Saviour (those that are called according to His purpose, for we are all part of His perfect plan).

This reassuring chapter reminds us that we are free of God's judgement and condemnation because we are in Christ and we are released from the curse of the law, slavery to sin, and Satan's accusations. We are been ransomed from death and destruction and rescued from defeat and decay, for Christ has won the victory on our account, by grace through faith in Him.

But for a little while, we live in a fallen world and are affected by the ravages of sin. We groan in our mortal bodies in concert with the groaning creation. Our Heavenly Father also groans in His Spirit at the evil that has befallen His perfect creation.

But God ordained His redemptive plan in the eternal council chambers of heaven before the foundation of the world: a good plan, a perfect plan where Christ will be all in all, a plan which will certainly come to fruition because God is working His purpose out in every situation of our lives, whether those circumstances are good or evil.

We may have to face difficulties and dangers, and be called upon to experience tragedies, disappointments, persecutions, and even death. Indeed, the Lord Jesus Himself reminded us that in this fallen, groaning world we will suffer tribulation. Paul also informs us that all who live godly WILL suffer persecution.

But we also have His unfailing assurance that the blood of Christ has overcome sin, the world, and the devil, and that every single circumstance of our individual life, as well as the global, satanic plans of the enemy are all working together for God's glory and for the eternal good of all who are called according to the purposes of God; which is to be conformed to the image of His Son.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I have been called according to Your plan and purpose, for it is not Your will that any should perish, but that all should come to faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank You, Lord, that You are causing all things to work together to finally achieve Your great redemptive plan and purpose for mankind. And thank You, Lord, that so often I see Your gracious hand working in my life and in the lives of all Your children, as You gently transform us into the lovely image of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, AMEN.