Tuesday, 6 August 2013
…nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Romans 8:39 should be cited with 8:38 to get a full sense of Paul’s final thought of this chapter. They are amazing words which we can cling to throughout our walk in this veil of tears and trials.
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The apostle, a man who had the highest credentials within the Jewish society, and a man who had been personally called and ordained by the risen Christ for carrying the gospel message to “Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15) then suffered immense trials for the name of Jesus. He knew with absolute certainty of his calling and the hope of glory to come. Fully convinced and assured, he cites a list of ten things which can in no way “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The list from 8:38 continues now in 8:39. Neither “height nor depth” could be speaking of a variety of things – heaven or hell; angelic forces or demonic forces; the highest prosperity or the lowest poverty; etc. Whichever Paul intended, it is understood that from the highest point of that concept, to the very lowest (and thus anywhere in between) there is complete assurance in Jesus Christ. At no level could there be the introduction of something to steal us away from our Lord.
“Nor any other created thing” includes anything that isn’t listed in his note. God is the Creator. Anything other than God is created. Therefore, nothing – absolutely nothing – can ever separate us from the love that has bound us to Him; a love that is found in Jesus Christ. This is the assurance of the one who has believed in Jesus and been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians1:13, 14). This verse is the absolute guarantee of eternal salvation. Nothing can separate us from the One to whom we have been joined.
Life application: The notion that one can “lose” their salvation is so far removed from the teaching of Scripture that it is unimaginable that the idea could even be contemplated, much less taught. But it is. Don’t let anyone ever steal from you the joy of your salvation. Instead, know that the God who called you has also justified you. And He has, in His mind, already glorified you. Let nothing ever take that assurance away from you.
Lord, in my life I have enjoyed a variety of foods that have brought delight to my taste. I have heard the sound of many instruments and an endless stream of new compositions, each beautifully arranged for the pleasure of my hearing. All of my senses have been filled with an abundance of delight. By thinking on what is created, I marvel at You the Creator! Surely, the wonder of what is created shows how much more glorious You are. Praises to You, O God. Amen.