We have all heard of Romans 8:28, that all things are working together for our good but rarely will you hear the whole subject matter within its full context. Let’s take a look shall we?
Starting with the beginning of Romans chapter 8, let us look at who is speaking and to whom and why; as well as what is being said within its entirety. Most scholars believe that this book was the words of Paul the apostle to the church in Rome. Apparently there was no established Christian institution in Rome but rather a group of different families who congregated together in homes. Paul does not address a particular Church of Rome but different households. Paul uses the phrase, “all that are at Rome,” which were both Jew and Gentile. Paul covers in the book of Romans many topics but I want to address one in particular, that being; all things work together for good to those who love God.
First of all, we know that Paul is addressing the Christians at Rome, whom we know from history suffered great persecution. Paul says in Romans chapter 8, that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. To be “in Christ” is to be baptized into his death and raised to life by the Holy Spirit, in other words, born of God. Not baptized in water per say, but baptized into Christ. Remember there is a baptism of fire, not just water, just so you know. That fire is Holy Ghost fire. If you have water baptism but no baptism of fire, you may not really be born again. Baptism in water can be a religious exercise if not accompanied with baptism of fire, or being born from power from on high.
Many sitting in churches today mimic Christians in some outward behavior and culture but have never really been born of God. They have not actually had an encounter with the Holy Spirit and made alive by his miraculous power. They know about Jesus but have never personally met him. They lack the power, even though they may have a form of godliness.
What power you ask? Dumanis Holy Ghost power; to heal the sick, raise the dead, speak in tongues, cast out devils and work miracles.
Those in Christ are not condemned. They are not under God’s judgment and nor will they face his wrath. Those walking after the flesh however, are in condemnation. These are those who are not in Christ, not walking in the Spirit because they have no life in them. Paul continues in the next verse to say that the Holy Spirit of life makes the Christian free from sin and death because of Christ’s atonement. It is very clear that Paul is differentiating between the Christian and the carnal unsaved person. Paul says that walking in the Spirit of God is now the perquisite for godly living and not the keeping of Old Testament laws and rituals. Paul tells us in this chapter that YOU ARE NOT IN THE FLESH IF THE SPIRT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU BUT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE GOD’S SPIRT THEN YOU ARE NOT SAVED.
How do you know if you have God living in you? Paul says to examine yourself to see if you are really in the faith. If you do not personally know the God of the Bible it is likely that you are not saved. What does it mean “to know”? Well the Bible likens the “to know’ as the same kind of intimacy that a man and a wife have. Do you know his voice? Have you experienced his touch, his caress, his feelings, and his heart? Does he wake you up in the middle of the night to pray? Does he sing songs out of your spirit and weep with you in your sorrow? Do you feel his breath of life in your being? Are you certain without a shadow of a doubt that you really belong to him? Does God bear witness in your heart that you know him? Do you know, that you know, that you know, that you are saved because you know him?
If not then you need to surrender to Jesus and make him both Savior and Lord of your life. Knowing about Jesus and believing in him does not save you. Even the devil believes in Jesus. You must know him! Belong to him; be connected to his Holy Spirit by the blood of the lamb. Those led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. To be led is to have God direct your life, not you. You don’t make the decisions, he does. You listen in prayer and obey what his Holy Spirit tells you to do and where to go.
Paul next tells us in Romans chapter 8 that the sufferings of this present world are of no consequence in comparison to our eternal inheritance that we hope and wait patiently for. Paul lets God’s people know that the Holy Spirit which lives in his people knows our weakness and he will pray through us to the Father for help in all our struggles. God’s will is going to be birthed forth as the Spirit intercedes with prayers of intercession by groaning and moaning deep in our spirit’s as we seek his face.
Then right after that Paul says that all things are working together for our good. We can now see the connection. The Christian who walks in the Spirit and is suffering in this present world, prays by the Spirit that dwells in their spirit for God’s will which is birthed through prayer by the Holy Spirit, to work ALL things for our good. The reason Paul says this is because the Christian is predestined by God the Father, to be conformed into the image or likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ. So, why are ALL things working together for our good? So that we can be made into the image of his Son, that is in character and attributes. God has a destiny for each of us; a predetermined plan and that plan is being worked out by the Holy Spirit as he prays through us, God’s perfect will.
Who shall condemn those in Christ? Who shall separate us from God and his will for us? No one! This is because Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for us as the Holy Spirit intercedes through us. Paul says that in persecution, trials, sorrows, hardships and even death; we are more than conquerors. We are living out a predetermined plan of almighty God for his purposes. Whether we suffer or are persecuted or even killed, we will come out the victor because Jesus conquered death! So, walk in the Holy Spirit and let him lead you. Even through the fire he will be with you and make all things work together for good, that is for God’s predetermined plan and purposes!
Maranatha!
Kim Balogh
Minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Grace Ministries 