The promise of “all things work together for good” in Romans 8:28 is an often misquoted, misused, and abused verse of the New Testament. It certainly does not mean what many have erroneously concluded, that God will make every bad thing that happens in your life turn out to be something good in the end. So, if that isn’t what the verse is teaching, then what is Paul saying here? What is the truth?
Let’s begin by considering what Paul does not say in this verse. Notice he does not claim that all things are inherently good, nor does he suggest that everything in life has an apparent reason or purpose. This is a common misconception that is simply not biblical. The truth is, not everything that happens in our lives has an underlying purpose. There are many things that happen to us that are nothing more than consequences of our actions, or the actions of others. Our true purpose in life is to “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man.” (Ecc 12:13) No mystery. No unknown pre-planned destiny.
According to the context, Paul states that we “know” all things work together for good for those who love God. How do we know? We’ve been taught and warned in the Scriptures. For example, Jesus stated, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20) And, Paul wrote, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:7) Romans 8:28 does not imply we will never experience difficulties while on this earth. Instead, this verse is a beautiful promise that is meant to bring comfort during our darkest moments. It’s similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, “You will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
So, Paul isn’t saying that every event in our personal lives will turn out for good. There will still be painful moments, losses, and suffering that seem senseless and unjust. Life will bring hardships that cannot be explained or rationalized as “good.” Some tragic or traumatic experience will not somehow be turned into something positive. What Paul is saying is this, a child of God has an assurance that worldly people do not have – God is always in control! A faithful disciple should understand that everything in life is part of a bigger plan that is “working together” toward a good outcome. The outcome will be God judging the world and Christians receiving an incredible inheritance in the end. This promise is specifically for believers!
Perhaps we could compare this verse with a metaphor of a clock’s gears. Each event in life is like a gear, and even if one gear on its own seems to serve no purpose, when all the gears mesh together, they move toward a final, singular, good outcome. It is the same with Christians. Everything in this world is under the watchful eye of God and everything is ultimately working toward His glory (Revelation 4:11). If one remains faithful, then they will enjoy the ultimate “good,” being in the presence of Almighty Yahweh!
We might also add that Peter expounds upon this thought in his letter to the brethren. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, … yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9). This is how ALL “things work together for good to those who love God,” your soul will be saved!
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