From the Sermon on the Mount onwards, Jesus’ promises that the meek would inherit the earth, that the poor in spirit would inherit God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven, meant what they said. Romans 8 is one of the most vivid applications of the same point. God is working all things for good with and through those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. Of course, it doesn’t look like that on the ground. What Jesus’ followers mostly see is danger, suffering, wordless lament, tragic disunity. Paul is assuring them, and us, that God’s purpose is going ahead precisely through this
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