And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30). Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called , these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified.
The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today we study election ; God has chosen His saints according to His good pleasure – not according to the faith He foresees, not according to their works but according to His good pleasure. The man/woman who loves God is the individual who has been brought to faith by God. Apart from God’s initiative none seek Him as we are born spiritually dead in the sin of Adam and do not want God. The general call of the gospel goes out to all people but it is not effectual for some because of their hardened hearts. God’s call cannot fail by our sinful will. Simply put, God chose to set His love on some and predestined these to salvation – this is not primarily about us or our happiness but so that Christ “might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Our salvation is all about the supremacy of Jesus Christ. This is Gods eternal purpose and for the faithful it is secure. God is working all the trials in our lives – great or small – together for our ultimate good. Our happiness isn’t the final goal but to glorify Christ for all eternity. God did not make up His eternal purpose based on what sinners would do as this would make man sovereign, not God. He determines beforehand what He will do and how He will do it. All things don’t just “happen” to work out for good on their own. Romans 8:28 does not promise all things work together for ALL people but God’s promise is good only for His elect. The faithful come willingly because He has made them willing by His free grace. We are not to look at life from the human side but from the divine standpoint. The doctrine of sovereign election is intensely practical especially when we face trials which teach us to submit to God and trust in Him.
There is great comfort in knowing and accepting that sovereign God is working all things together for the good of His people. God’s purpose means there are no accidents. God’s call always accomplishes His purpose of giving life to the spiritually dead so that they will respond. Salvation is always of the Lord.