The concept that "all things work together for good" for the saints is a profound privilege and assurance found in the Christian faith. This principle is rooted in the understanding that God, in His sovereignty and love, orchestrates every aspect of a believer's life for their ultimate benefit and His glory. The primary scriptural basis for this belief is found in Romans 8:28, which states, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" .

Divine Sovereignty and Providence

The privilege of having all things work together for good is deeply connected to the doctrines of divine sovereignty and providence. God, as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, exercises complete control over all events and circumstances. This sovereignty ensures that nothing happens by chance or outside of His divine will. For the saints, this means that every trial, blessing, and seemingly mundane event is part of a divine tapestry woven for their good.

The Nature of "Good"

The "good" referred to in Romans 8:28 is not necessarily synonymous with earthly comfort or success. Instead, it aligns with God's ultimate purpose for His people: their sanctification and conformity to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 continues, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" . Thus, the "good" encompasses spiritual growth, character development, and a deeper relationship with God.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, numerous examples illustrate how God works all things for the good of His people. The account of Joseph in Genesis is a classic example. Despite being sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph later recognized God's hand in his circumstances, saying to his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Similarly, the apostle Paul's life exemplifies this truth. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and hardship, Paul viewed these experiences as opportunities for the advancement of the Gospel and the strengthening of his faith. In Philippians 1:12, he writes, "Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel" .

The Role of Faith and Love

The promise that all things work together for good is specifically for "those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This indicates that the privilege is conditional upon a relationship with God characterized by love and obedience. Faith in God's goodness and sovereignty is essential for believers to trust that He is working for their good, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

Encouragement in Trials

For the saints, the assurance that all things work together for their good provides immense comfort and encouragement, especially during trials and suffering. It reminds believers that their lives are not subject to random forces but are under the careful and loving guidance of their Heavenly Father. This perspective enables them to endure hardships with hope and patience, knowing that God is at work in every situation.

Conclusion

The privilege of having all things work together for good is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering believers a profound sense of security and purpose. It underscores the intimate relationship between God and His people, assuring them that their lives are part of a divine plan that ultimately leads to their spiritual well-being and His eternal glory.Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 4:15-17
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Intercession of Christ
... He is a King, King of saints, and King of nations ... Psalm 23:5) ; who saw, with envy,
his privileges, but were ... from the first step to the last, He is all in all. ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlvii the intercession of.htm

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... experience of many of God's noblest saints and dearest ... Him all the blessings and
privileges of the ... the everlasting covenant is "ordered in all things and sure ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ...
... power extends) and attain all the other privileges which we ... sense and those who are
not saints employ the ... Hence all great art (even when not directly religious ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter iv concerning good light.htm

Footnotes:
... no doubt, equally clear, equally commands, or rather privileges, of the saints of
God. ... you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound ...
//christianbookshelf.org/groves/christian devotedness/footnotes .htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... they should lose none of the privileges which they ... by which is meant the communion
of saints in the ... said long after "Among us Christians all things are common ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.htm

The Basis of Union of the United Church of Canada.
... sons, with a right to all the privileges therein implied ... We believe also that, inasmuch
as all true prayer ... sacraments, for the upbuilding of the saints, and for ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/the basis of union of.htm

A Solemn Deprival
... by majestic pomp, and all his saints shall reign ... good, by reason of which your choicest
privileges are an ... You have all the wheels of Providence revolving for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a solemn deprival.htm

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
... The scandals of others are sea-marks for the saints to avoid. ... Let me persuade all
men cordially to embrace the ways of God. ... His commands are our privileges. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/an appendix to the beatitudes.htm

Basil -- the Creation of the World
... It was to give day the privileges of seniority that Scripture ... in the midst of the
glory of the saints, and I ... in the day of Christ, to whom belong all glory and ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/basil the creation of.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... thou hast high and honorable privileges, which the world wots not ... deep thick jungle
of India shall see the saints of God ... Praise God from whom all blessings flow ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

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