Neville Goddard on Romans 8:28

Executive Summary

Neville Goddard interprets Romans 8:28 not as a promise of worldly comfort, but as a declaration of a universal, predestined plan. He teaches that all experiences, even those perceived as negative, are essential components of a divine purpose. This purpose is to conform every individual to the image of God's Son through a five-stage process of being foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and finally, glorified.

Key Concepts

• Romans 8:28 is evidence of an inescapable divine purpose and predestination for all of humanity.
• "All things work for good" means every event, including suffering or betrayal, is an essential part of the divine plan.
• The ultimate purpose is to conform every individual to the image of God's Son.
• This is a five-part process: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.
• Justification is a "Divine Acquittal" for all actions one has ever taken.
• No one will remain unredeemed; every part played in the divine drama is necessary for the whole.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard views Romans 8:28 within the larger context of a passage affirming predestination. The phrase "all things work for good" does not refer to personal gain or positive outcomes in one's life, but to the fulfillment of a grand, divine purpose. Every event, regardless of its appearance, is an essential and necessary part of a script that leads to a predetermined end.

This divine purpose unfolds through a sequence of five terms: foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. According to Neville, these terms describe an unalterable process. God foreknew and predestined all individuals to be conformed to the image of His Son. Subsequently, each person is called, justified, and ultimately glorified. This progression is unavoidable and applies universally.

To illustrate this, Neville references the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. This seemingly evil act was not a random tragedy but an instrument of the Lord's will, essential for the entire story to unfold. Every individual plays all parts, and through these experiences, they are fitted for God's use. Justification is understood as a "Divine Acquittal" for all actions committed throughout this journey. In the end, every single person will be redeemed, as each role was indispensable to the completion of the whole divine drama.

Important Quotes

You are predestined to be God!

— Predestined Glory

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son. And those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

— Grace vs. Law

There isn’t one in Eternity that will remain unredeemed; and the part he is playing was essential to the whole, for “all things work for good for those who love the LORD.” (Romans 8:28)

— Test Him And See

Justification is the Divine Acquittal.

— Predestined Glory

Related Concepts

This teaching on predestination directly relates to The Promise, as the five-stage process of being called, justified, and glorified describes the inevitable spiritual birth that awakens humanity as God. The idea of playing all parts connects to the concept of States, where individuals move through countless states of consciousness, including negative ones, as part of the necessary journey. The ultimate end of this predestined path is glorification with God, which is the full realization of one's own wonderful human imagination, or I AM.

Common Misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding is that certain biblical figures were simply elected to serve as moral examples. The source material corrects this, stating that every part played—even by those who commit seemingly evil acts—is essential to the whole divine plan. The promise of redemption is not for a select few; it is universal, as "not one in Eternity that will remain unredeemed."

Practical Applications

The practical application of this teaching is a fundamental shift in perspective. A student can learn to view all life experiences, especially challenging ones, as necessary components of a divine plan leading to their own glorification. This understanding fosters forgiveness for all, recognizing that every person is playing an essential role in a larger script. Rather than seeing events as random or unjust, one can accept them as part of the process of being conformed to the image of God's Son.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'purpose' Neville says we are called according to in Romans 8:28?

The purpose is to be conformed to the image of God's Son. This is a predestined outcome for all of humanity.

Does 'all things work for good' mean only positive things will happen?

No. It means that all events, including negative ones, are essential parts of a larger divine plan and ultimately contribute to the fulfillment of God's purpose.

Who is predestined to be glorified according to this interpretation?

Everyone. Neville teaches that this is a universal process and that not one person in eternity will remain unredeemed.

What does Neville mean by 'justification'?

He defines justification as 'the Divine Acquittal,' meaning a complete forgiveness for all actions one has ever taken as part of the divine play.