All Things

2007-02-05

Recently in church there was great discussion on two issues in Romans 8:28-33. This discussion demonstrates the importance to look at the Scripture objectively without inserting our personal opinions.

The first question that arose came out of 8:30: “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” Notice the past tense of “glorified.” One assumed that somehow that those who have trusted Christ are already glorified in a sense. This is a disturbing thought! If we are glorified, yet still sin, get sick, die, and so on, we are in big trouble. The good news must remain the good news; there will be a time when sin and death will be abolished forever and we will be removed from its presence. That is glorification!

But the question as to the past tense still remains. The context must render the meaning of the phrase. Words like “foreknow” and “predestinate” require us to think about what Paul is communicating, which is the eternality and sovereignty of God. Since God exists outside space and time, according to God, the work of glorification is complete, and it is as good as done.

Another aspect of this passage was discussed as well: the curious statement “all things” in 8:32. Does this mean God will give us all spiritual things, all physical needs, or something else? Only by eisegesis can we suggest an additional modifier of “things” other than “all.” Paul states that God will give us “all things” with no strings attached, and the context demands it as well. In the beginning of the verse, it reads, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all.” God sent His Son in the flesh, in a physical body. He did this to satisfy the infinite debt of humankind before Him, which is both a physical and spiritual issue. If this is the case, how can we render this verse to read, “freely give us all spiritual things?” We confirm also we have already been blessed “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” in Ephesians 1:3; the same is that God will provide for us in the flesh also (Matthew 6:25-34).

Take great comfort in the Lord today. Satan has been defeated, and though we may continue to struggle with sin, the work of us being removed from the presence of sin is as good as done. Likewise, God will provide for us all of our needs. Jesus took care of our biggest need, and those secondary needs of food, clothing, and the like will be provided also.