THE PICTURE OF PERFECT ASSURANCE
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." Romans 8:28.
Perhaps this is the most misinterpreted scripture in the Bible. This is because many well-intentioned people quote only the first half of this verse. All things DO NOT work together for good EXCEPT to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.
I. TO WHOM THIS ASSURANCE IS GIVEN:
"…to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." This assurance is not given to everyone. It is conditioned on our being called according to His purpose; by our faith, and by our love of God.
Our calling and His purpose:
"(God) is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." II Peter 3:9b.
"[God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:4.
Faith in God is manifested by our recognizing Him for who He is: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.
Love for God is manifested by adoration and obedience: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might (strength)." Deuteronomy 6:5.
"If you love Me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15.
II. THE CERTAINTY OF ITS FULFILMENT:
"And we know". How?
By knowing God’s faithfulness to keep His promises: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23. We also know by our own experiences in life.
III. THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT APPLIES:
"…that all things".
The Christian who is covered by this assurance lives in a "providential" world and nothing ever happens to them by chance or by accident.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
IV. THE WAY IT IS ACCOMPLISHED:
"…work together".
God has a purpose and a plan for our life. Consider: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10.
V. ITS REALIZED BLESSING:
"…for good"
"How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast stored up for those who love and reverence Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those who trust in Thee, in the presence of the sons of men!." Psalm 31:19.
