Romans 8:28–39

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Religion, Samford University

God’s Promise of Victory

Romans 8:28–39

When the Israelites who had endured the Babylonian exile finally came back to the promised land they returned to a nation in ruin. Under Nehemiah’s leadership the people rallied to repair Jerusalem’s walls, and at the prophet Haggai’s urging, they at last rebuilt the temple. But no sooner had the last stone of the temple been laid when Haggai offered this frank assessment: “Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing?” (Hag. 2:3). Haggai’s piercing questions laid bare a bitter truth: for those old enough to remember, the glorious temple of Solomon far exceeded the meager structure they now saw.

The disappointment experienced by the Israelites at that moment was one nearly every believer has shared. We have seen a glimpse of God’s work but we have not seen the whole. Like the Israelites in Haggai’s day whose temple was a shadow of what once had been and a shadow paler still of what would be, we live in what theologians have called the “now but not yet.”

When Haggai’s listeners faced this dilemma the prophet offered them a word of hope. “Be strong,” he urged. Know that God’s word is “I am with you,” and “In a little while.” While the present may seem uncertain the prophet encouraged them that a glorious future awaited.

A fascinating parallel to the message of Haggai emerges in an unlikely place, the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Wearied in soul by humanity’s unending struggle with sin Paul acknowledges that things are not now as we would want them to be. The whole creation groans under the weight of the curse (Rom. 8:20–22) and we ourselves groan inwardly with longing and frustration (vv. 18, 23). Like the prophet, though, Paul counsels his readers to hold on in hope (vv. 23–25). He reminds them that they are God’s children and in time God will bring to completion the good work He has started in them.

God has a plan and it is for our good. (28–30)

In the remainder of Chapter 8, Paul goes on to lay a foundation for the hope that should characterize God’s people. A great deal of ink has been spilled over the precise meaning of the words, “those whom He foreknew He also predestined” (v. 29). Perhaps it is unavoidable that this sort of language should elicit discussions of the intricacies of election, foreknowledge, predestination and the like. At its heart Paul’s argument is not about a process; it is about a person, God Himself. God’s people can hold on in hope precisely because it was God who first called them to Himself.

God already has given us His best: Jesus Christ. (31–34)

To this Paul adds a second reason for hope: not only did God call us, God also is for us. While we are often tempted to believe God exists for us the Scriptures argue emphatically that it is we who exist for God. And yet this same God around whom all creation revolves has chosen to take our side. 

Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (35–39)

Paul’s concluding thought in the passage is less an argument than a bold confession of faith. Although it may be our lot to suffer hardship in this life Paul knows no suffering can separate us from the love of Christ. Now we struggle but one day we will experience at God’s hand the fulfillment of all our hopes.