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. I. THE CHARACTER. It consists of two particulars. 1. The person loves God. And, that we may arrive satisfactorily at this conclusion, let us go by several successive steps. (1) First, am I sure that I do not hate Him? "The carnal mind is enmity against God."(2) Do I think of God? Have I satisfaction in thinking of Him? (3) Have you received Christ and the reconciliation and peace which are by Him? No man cometh to the Father but by Christ. Are you a suppliant for mercy, peace, and eternal life, through Christ Jesus? If so, you are a lover of God. I suppose the love of God to consist in these simple elements — (a) First, delight in His excellence, complacency in His perfec-lions, mental apprehension of His surpassing and uncreated loveliness. (b) The second element is goodwill to God, and to His plans and purposes; consciousness of an interest in them, and admiration of their wisdom, holiness, and power. (c) There will be gratitude for the benefits we have received. (d) Love to God supposes resignation to His will, and acquiescence in its decisions, without resentment or murmuring. 2. The next point is, the calling according to God's purpose. Let us not forget that the purpose is not by reason of the love in us, but that the love is in us by reason of the purpose. It is this antecedent purpose which is the cause of our love. Therefore give diligence to make your calling and election sure. II. THE PRIVILEGE. To these persons all things shall work together for good. 1. We take first, all Divine perfections; all the attributes and prerogatives of God's nature. For who, I pray you, is the greatest worker in this universe? "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." 2. There is, secondly, the course and constitution of natural things, as they subsist around us in their harmony and concurrence of operation. Seedtime and harvest, day and night, summer and winter, do not fail. Surely this is not mainly and chiefly that lions may roar, horses be fed, insects creep, and eagles soar. All these things are subordinate; the higher purpose is the preservation and happiness of man. And we further inquire, what man or what men? The primary and the higher purpose is, that the just may live; that their excellencies may be revealed, and their character consummated; that the love of God may shine in them; and that they may accomplish the great end of their being, which is, to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever. 3. All the means of grace work for their good. 4. Fourthly and mainly; all the dispensations of providence are intended to work for good. It is for good. Did you ever read the maxim, "I had perished if I had not perished"? That is, I had been lost as to my soul, if I had not lost my estate. The affliction may be nearer. It may touch the bone and the flesh. There may be strong pain, or fever, or need of surgical operation. Must we say, It is for good? If we love God, it is for good. All the countless strokes of the chisel on the block of marble contribute to form the statue which almost breathes. The printing-press is filled with all its types; and forth comes the paper without a word deficient. All the medicines are mixed by the science of the physician; and from the mixture the healing result is realised. All the reapers in the field assist to bring the harvest home. And after the same manner as these emblems and illustrations represent, all things in Providence concur for the final salvation of those who love God, and are the called according to His purpose. III. THE CERTAINTY OF ALL THIS. "We know." St. Paul knew it by inspiration. The rabbins tell us concerning a certain Jew, that, whenever a calamity occurred, he was accustomed to say, "This also is good"; and they changed the man's name from Nahum to "Gamzu," which means in Hebrew, "This also." Blessed is that man in whose mind this principle is fixed, in all its light, and power, and consolation: come what will, it is good, for I am a lover of God, and called according to His purpose. (J. Stratten.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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