The Principle of All Things Working Together for Good
The principle that all things work together for good is rooted in Romans 8:28, which states, "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" [1]. This verse has been a cornerstone of Christian theology, providing comfort and assurance to believers amidst trials and tribulations.
The concept is closely tied to the idea that God is sovereign over all events, guiding them towards the ultimate good of those who love Him. According to John Gill, this good can be understood in various ways: temporal, spiritual, and eternal [3]. While the men of the world often prioritize temporal good, believers understand that their spiritual and eternal good is of far greater importance.
In the view of Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Romans 8:28 is a "glorious assurance" that has been a "household word" among believers [4]. They interpret the verse as indicating that all things work together for good to those who are called according to God's eternal purpose. This understanding is echoed in the writings of Adam Clarke, who notes that believers should give thanks in every circumstance, as all things work together for their good [6].
The principle is not limited to Romans 8:28; other biblical passages reinforce this idea. For instance, James 1:2-3 encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth, and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 illustrates how afflictions can be used for the glory of God and the good of His people [2].
Different Christian traditions have nuanced understandings of this principle. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, emphasizes God's sovereignty in working all things together for good [3]. The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as seen in Adam Clarke's commentary, highlights the importance of gratitude and obedience in the face of various circumstances [6]. The Presbyterian tradition, as reflected in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary, underscores the assurance and comfort that this principle brings to believers [4].
The biblical basis for this principle is not confined to the New Testament. Old Testament passages, such as Ecclesiastes 3:11, suggest that God has made everything beautiful in its time, implying a divine orchestration of events for a greater good [8]. This understanding is reinforced by the notion that God is the source of all good gifts, as stated in James 1:17 [5].
The principle that all things work together for good is not a guarantee against hardship or suffering, but rather a promise that these experiences will ultimately contribute to the believer's good. As Easton's Bible Dictionary notes, afflictions are common to all, but for believers, they are directed by God and will result in everlasting good [2].
The theological articulation of this principle has significant implications for Christian living. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of adversity, knowing that He is working all things together for their good. This trust is not passive; rather, it is accompanied by a call to obedience and gratitude, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 [6].
The ultimate expression of this principle is found in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who "hath done all things well" [7]. As the source of all goodness and perfection, Christ's work is the foundation upon which the principle of all things working together for good is built.
Sources
- Romans “Romans 8:28 (Webster) — 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.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Afflictions — Common to all (Job 5:7; 14:1; Ps. 34:19); are for the good of men (James 1:2, 3, 12; 2 Cor. 12:7) and the glory of God (2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1 Pet. 4:14), and are to be borne with patience by the Lord's people (Ps. 94:12; Prov. 3:12). They are all directed by God (Lam. 3:33), and will result in the everlasting good of his people (2 Cor. 4:16-18) in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:35-39).”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good,.... There is a temporal good, and a spiritual good, and an eternal one. Temporal good is what the men of the world are seeking after, and generally have the greatest share of, and the saints the least; and yet they have as much as is needful for them, and what they have, they have with a blessing; and even sometimes afflictions work for the temporal good of God's children: spiritual good lies in a lively exercise of grace and a conformity of the soul to God; and is what the men of the world least regard, and the sain”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 8:28: And--or, "Moreover," or "Now"; noting a transition to a new particular. we know, &c.--The order in the original is more striking: "We know that to them that love God" (compare Co1 2:9; Eph 6:24; Jam 1:12; Jam 2:5) "all things work together for good [even] to them who are the called (rather, 'who are called') according to His (eternal) purpose." Glorious assurance! And this, it seems, was a "household word," a "known" thing, among believers. This working of all things for good is done quite naturally to "them that love God," because such souls, persua”
- James (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above - Whatever is good is from God; whatever is evil is from man himself. As from the sun, which is the father or fountain of light, all light comes; so from God, who is the infinite Fountain, Father, and Source of good, all good comes. And whatever can be called good, or pure, or light, or excellence of any kind, must necessarily spring from him, as he is the only source of all goodness and perfection. With whom is no variableness - The sun, the fountain of light to the whole of our system, may be obscured by clouds; ”
- 1 Thessalonians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Thessalonians 5:18: In every thing give thanks - For this reason, that all things work together for good to them that love God; therefore, every occurrence may be a subject of gratitude and thankfulness. While ye live to God, prosperity and adversity will be equally helpful to you. For this is the will of God - That ye should be always happy; that ye should ever be in the spirit of prayer; and that ye should profit by every occurrence in life, and be continually grateful and obedient; for gratitude and obedience are inseparably connected.”
- Mark (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Mark 7:37: He hath done all things well - This has been, and ever will be, true of every part of our Lord's conduct. In creation, providence, and redemption he hath done all things well. The wisest philosophers are agreed that, considering creation as a whole, it would be impossible to improve it. Every thing has been made in number, weight, and measure; there really is nothing deficient, nothing redundant; and the good of the creature seems evidently more consulted than the glory of the Creator. The creature's good is every where apparent; but to find out how the Creator is glo”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 3:11: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time,.... That is, God has made everything; as all things in creation are made by him, for his pleasure and glory, and all well and wisely, there is a beauty in them all: so all things in providence; he upholds all things; he governs and orders all things according to the counsel of his will; some things are done immediately by him, others by instruments, and some are only permitted by him; some he does himself, some he wills to be done by others, and some he suffers to be done; but in all there is a beauty and harmony; ”