ROMANS 8:28 Misused?

[strenght01]

I accidentally posted this in the general forum. Not sure how to delete a post so it's still there but reposting here to the appropriate forum.

 

Someone please help me to understand if I am misinterpreting this scripture. From what I read, it means that these things work out for our good if we ARE Christians, not for those who are unsaved. I have a friend that uses this as a pep thing to lift up a mutual friend that is going through some stuff but taht also is not Saved and literally says their master is the devil. Am I not understanding this scripture? How do I go about explaining to her that this scripture doesn't apply to non-Christians IF I am understanding it correctly?

[a-seeker]

The verse absolutely applies to Christians.  I will not say that God does not intervene for unbelievers; after all, conversion is itself an intervention.  But that verse does not pertain to general providence.  It is about life in Christ.  Simply read the context:

 

 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;

 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Rom 8:28-30 NAS)

 

This sounds pretty "Christian".

 

clb

[ncn]

I accidentally posted this in the general forum. Not sure how to delete a post so it's still there but reposting here to the appropriate forum.

 

 

I have removed your thread in the General Discussions Forum for you. 

God Bless. 

Nigel. 

[Sevenseas]

Does apply to Christians.

 

As Connor posted the verses already, I'll just reiterate for the sake of seconding the reply

 

Applies to those who love God and those He has called

 

 

So this person says the devil is their master? 

 

We do not have a match here...this makes for some very strange book-ends...

[OneLight]

I would read the scripture to this person as it is written, explaining to them what it says and how it is applied.  Perhaps your honesty will waken them?  You could ask them if the fruit of following their current master is what they expected, and then offer the person a chance to change masters.

[GoldenEagle]

I accidentally posted this in the general forum. Not sure how to delete a post so it's still there but reposting here to the appropriate forum.

 

Someone please help me to understand if I am misinterpreting this scripture. From what I read, it means that these things work out for our good if we ARE Christians, not for those who are unsaved. I have a friend that uses this as a pep thing to lift up a mutual friend that is going through some stuff but taht also is not Saved and literally says their master is the devil. Am I not understanding this scripture? How do I go about explaining to her that this scripture doesn't apply to non-Christians IF I am understanding it correctly?

The key to this passage is the 2nd part of Rom 8:28... And the verses surrounding this passage (the context in other words). See the part below in bold:

Rom 8:28

 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;

 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Does a non-Believer love God? (vs 28)

How can a non-Believer be called according to God's purpose unless they know Jesus Christ? (vs 28)

Who are the called? Those whom God foreknew and predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son...

Those who are predestined, called, justified, glorified. (Vs 29 & 30)

Those who don't believe are none of those four things.

God bless,

GE

[Willa]

Your friend is using this verse as a chiche, and may not understand the true meaning in context or even the full application. Those of us who have responded to God's call by allowing Him to set us apart from the world for His use are able to realize this promise.

Not only is friendship with the world and the love of money being an enemy of God, but the works of the flesh and setting ones mind on them to walk in them brings death. We can't sit on the fence. A double minded person will receive nothing from God. No one who serves the devil can serve God. I know people who say they pray to God when they want something good and pray to satan when they wish someone harm or want something evil. Hogwash!