Romans 8:28

 - Popular Bible Verse Series

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

The book of Romans is often called the crown of the Bible, with Romans 8 as the diamond in that crown. Whether or not we agree with this analogy, Christians recognize the profound importance of Romans, especially the insights in chapter 8, notably verse 28. Many of us memorize, quote, and cling to this verse, trusting God’s promise that “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” We often cite Joseph’s story in the Old Testament, where his brothers’ evil act of selling him into slavery was used by God for Joseph’s good and Israel’s preservation.

It’s natural to embrace good experiences as blessings but question God’s plan during hardships. Romans 8:28 offers assurance that even bad circumstances work for good for Christians who love God. However, we frequently quote this verse in isolation, overlooking the profound insights in verses 29–30, which explain why and how all things work for good. These verses are often studied separately, typically for discussions on election, rather than as a continuation of verse 28. Let’s examine Romans 8:28–30 together:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

These verses, sometimes called the “golden chain,” outline God’s redemptive plan: foreknowing, predestining, calling, justifying, and glorifying His elect. While often used to explore the theology of election, verses 29–30 also explain Romans 8:28. The word “For” in verse 29 connects them, revealing why and how all things work for good: God foreknew His people, predestined them to reflect Christ’s image, and guides them toward justification and glorification—the ultimate good.

This truth is vividly illustrated in Galatians 1:13–24, where Paul shares his testimony:

“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age… so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me… I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas… And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea… They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.”

Paul’s life exemplifies Romans 8:28–30. Set apart before birth and called by God’s grace, Paul initially persecuted the church. Yet, on the road to Damascus, Jesus transformed him. Paul’s time in Arabia allowed quiet reflection with God, leading to his ministry as the greatest evangelist in history. God worked all things—Paul’s zeal, rebellion, and conversion—for good, conforming him to Christ’s image and glorifying Him.

This pattern applies to all Christians, foreknown and predestined before birth. Though not all recognize this “golden chain,” it shapes every believer’s redemption journey, explaining why and how all things work for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. What an awesome God, who inspired Paul to write these truths and used his life to demonstrate His perfect plan!

Before I came to Christ, much of my life seemed senseless. In my mid-20s, I enjoyed a thriving career, and by my early 30s, I had a stable family life and financial security. Yet, I sent my wife and daughter to America, quit my job, and joined them, working as a busboy while my wife waited tables. Years earlier, I had been accepted into a prestigious U.S. master’s program but couldn’t attend due to funding issues. Why did I abandon my achievements to start anew in a foreign land?

Over time, it became clear: this was part of God’s plan for my salvation. Initially, I resisted His call, stubborn and defiant. Yet, God pursued me, His voice growing louder through a life-threatening car accident. After years of resistance, I surrendered, justified by His grace. God foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and is glorifying me, working all things for my good. Praise God! Amen!