Monday, August 14, 2017

If Romans 8:28 Is Not Comforting, What Does That Say About The Rest of Scripture?

Recently, Rob Bell came under fire for stating that Christians cannot walk with anyone that quotes Romans 8:28. That verse says that God works everything good to those who love Him. Many Christians have quoted this verse to someone going through times of suffering. Christians might have even said it to themselves as a reminder that God will work everything out.

What I think Bell is communicating here is that Romans 8:28 offers no comfort to anyone. Grant when one goes through suffering it is hard for us to how God can use this for good. I have heard stories of Christians using Romans 8:28 to comfort someone and they reject because it is not what they want to hear. Granted, there are times when goes through suffering, the best thing to do is simply be there for them. What we should do as someone goes through suffering is another subject for another time.

My purpose is for us to really think about what does it say about the entire Bible if, according to the indirect assertion of Bell, Romans 8:28 is not comforting. Can we truly walk with people who are suffering and use scripture to guide people as they walk with Jesus. In regards to temptation, can we comfort our fellow believers with 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.

When we talk about our battle with the flesh, should we comfort those by saying that Jesus is their advocate (see 1 John 2:1-2) or should we just simply ignore it? When it comes to evangelism, should we comfort our brother or sister who witnesses to their friends with no response with what the first century church endured from the book of Acts?

If Romans 8:28 is not comforting then what we are saying is scripture is not relevant nor is it practical.

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