(This is part 5 of 6; Click for: part 6; part 4; part 3; part 2; part 1. Appendix available upon request)
RELATION TO THE BOOK
When looking at chapter eight in its entirety, we see Paul speaking of the suffering of believers. Then when he gets to 8:28 he reminds his readers of the gospel and the ultimate hope to be found there. [35] Davidson says, “The atmosphere of this passage is one of designed encouragement to all those readers in Rome who were perturbed with the uncertainties of life and especially with the parlous position of the Christian in that chaotic age.” [36] This statement remains true for the Christians of the present day.
Believers throughout time have taken great comfort in the passage of Scripture. Often it is a part of God’s Word that is claimed without an understanding of its meaning. It is “nice” to say that all things work together for good. A loving God would work everything for good. What does good mean? Many scholars say that “good” in this verse has a very specific meaning and that is eschatological glory. [37]
How does this passage relate when in the midst of tragedy? Is this an appropriate passage of Scripture to preach at a funeral? All things work out for good. That is what the Word says. Paul is speaking about the sufferings of the present time in chapter eight. He is also speaking about there being no condemnation for those with a personal relationship in Jesus Christ as their redeemer.
This passage not only relates specifically to chapter eight but the entire Book of Romans as well. Henry Alford (Alford’s Greek Testament) comments, “In this further description, the apostle designates the believers as not merely loving God, but being beloved by God. The divine side of their security from harm is brought out, as combining with and ensuring the other.” [38] R.C. Sproul, Jr. says that believers are the objects of God’s plan of redemption that began “in eternity past and stretches to eternity future.” [39] (This is part 5 of 6; Click for: part 6; part 4; part 3; part 2; part 1. Appendix available upon request)
[35] Eskola, 168.[36] Davidson, 7.[37] Moo, 529.
[38] Wuest, 142.
[39] R.C. Sproul, Jr, “Foreknown, Predestined,” Tabletalk, June, 2002, 38.
