December 9, 2008

Why All Things Work Together for Good

“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. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? [It is] God who justifies. Who [is] he who condemns? [It is] Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [Shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:29-39 NKJV)

Paul has just explained that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those called according to His Purpose (see yesterday’s devotion, Our Intercessor). Now he gives us the reason why this is true. Simply put it is because God has a plan to glorify His elect and nothing can thwart that plan.

He foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and will glorify us. These are terms that should bring a confidence to the believer. God is at work keeping the believer for glory.

It is amazing to me to see men tear down this wonderful doctrine because in doing so they tear down their own confidence. I guess they believe that allowing God to be sovereign in election somehow damages His character. The argument is often voiced like this: If man has no choice, how can God condemn Him. Of course, the fallacy of this argument is that it presumes innocence.

We were never innocent. “The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” (Psalms 58:3 NKJV) “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalms 51:5 NKJV)

If God were to be fair, we would all perish. How thankful I am that God is merciful and not fair. I am not saying God is not righteous. He is righteous because He paid our sin debt. He would also be righteous if He allowed us all to perish by being fair to us.

Therefore, do not seek to tear down the doctrine that gives the greatest comfort because your pride won’t allow God to be God. Instead, look carefully at this marvelous grace and seize the promises.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.