Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord"
In 8:38-39 Paul pulls out all the stops. In his emotion he even switches to the first person: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Please notice the passionate phrase, “I am convinced . . .” Paul chooses a Greek perfect tense verb that conveys an existing condition brought about in the past with present realities. This means something like, “I was convinced in the past and I am fully convinced in the present.” When Paul says he is convinced, he speaks as a man who has staked his life upon certain unchanging realities.
There are three pairs in 8:38-39: (1) Death/life: Nothing in this life and nothing in death can separate a believer from God’s love. The two things we fear most, living and dying, are not threats to our eternal life. Whether we live or die, we are in God’s love. (2) Things present/things to come: Nothing in our present experience, nor anything to come, can separate us from God’s love in Christ. (3) Height/depth: If we were to travel to the “highest” or “lowest” points in the universe, or anywhere in between, we would never arrive at a place where we could escape Christ’s love. There is nowhere we can go where anyone or anything can take our eternal salvation away from us. By using these three pairs Paul could not be any plainer or clearer. Eternal life is eternal: Nothing in life or in death, nothing in our present or in our future, nothing in the entire universe, no matter how “high” or “low” we might go—nothing can separate us from His love. Paul selected these pairs because each represents the extreme of something dear to us (i.e., existence, time, and location). Just like we can’t cease being the children of our earthly parents once we are born, so we can’t cease being children of God once we are born again. We can no more be unborn spiritually than we can go back and be unborn physically. When we trust in Christ for salvation, by His grace, at that very moment, we become members of God’s family forever.
Paul also used two non-pairs of expressions. One is a triplet and one is a single image: (1) Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers. This triplet refers to angelic and demonic powers. Paul has already made it crystal-clear that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. However, he decided to mention a specific concern that his readers might have had. Angels and demons are more powerful than we are. They are unseen. Yet, there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love—including angels and demons. While the Devil and demons can make believers’ present lives miserable if we yield to their influence, they cannot take away our eternal life. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
(2) Nor any other created thing. Let me ask you a question: Are you a creature? Well, of course you are. There are only two classes of beings in existence: The Creator and the creatures. If you are not God, the Creator, then you are one of His creatures, a part of His creation. Therefore, this phrase includes you. Paul has struggled to be as comprehensive as possible. Every conceivable chasm has been filled. All theological bases have been covered. Nothing can separate us from His love. That includes anything that we as believers might do, think, or say. Paul’s reason for including this last element is to fill out the list. God is clear that nowhere, no way, at no time can we be removed from His love. The moment we place our trust in Christ alone to save us we can and should know that we are completely forgiven and secure in the love of Christ. So the question is not, “Can I lose my salvation?” but rather, “Can God lose me?” The only way you can lose your salvation is if you are more powerful than God! This chapter begins with “no condemnation” (8:1) and ends with “no separation” (8:39). Moreover, the phrase “Christ Jesus our Lord” occurs at the end of chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (4:24; 5:1, 21; 6:23; 7:25; 8:39). Security comes from Christ!
But won’t this teaching that we are secure promoting ungodliness? There is no teaching, no matter how correct, that will bring back all of God’s wayward children—or keep all of God’s children from becoming wayward. Prodigals are a regrettable, but unfortunate reality. However, security should lead to stability and productivity. Suppose a young woman becomes engaged to a man. She knows that he is trustworthy. He will keep his word to marry her. Does she then use this promise as an excuse to sleep with other men, knowing that her fiancé will marry her no matter what? Of course not! She loves her suitor. His commitment to marry her makes her love him more. Secure in his love, she wants to please him in everything. Similarly, the Christian life should lead to gratitude and obedience, not waywardness.
So how can we apply this great doctrine? First, claim the promises of God’s Word. Memorize Scriptures such as Romans 8:38-39; John 5:24; and 1 John 5:11-13. Stand on them! Knowing that you are saved is the most liberating, life-changing doctrine you can ever grasp. Security acts as a fortress of strength against the condemnation of Satan and our own fleshly doubts, and it adds zeal and vitality to Christian service. An uncertain salvation is a sad one, which repels rather than attracts others. Do not waste years in self-introspection and doubt. Move forward with confidence that you are secure in Christ.
Second, love others with God’s unconditional love. If you are secure, you will be able to love others. If you are insecure you will be introspectively concerned about yourself. Yet, God’s love for you should compel you to have His love for others. Has one of your children adopted a rebellious lifestyle? Has your spouse been unfaithful? Why not unconditionally love them just as God unconditionally loves you? When those around you stumble and fall, when they act unloving and unmerciful, don’t wash your hands of them. Show them the love of Christ by being ready and willing to forgive and to restore them always.
Closing prayer: There are three kinds of security:
(1) Sure, but not secure. These people believe that they have confirmed reservations in heaven. But they are self-deceived. They are like the legalists of Christ’s day who mistakenly thought that God would accept them on the basis of their own good efforts (Luke 18:9-14).
(2) Secure, but not sure. Such a person has trusted in Christ as Savior and is held firmly in the protective hand of God (cf. John 10:27-29). But, when failure occurs and guilt comes in like a flood, or when mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion set in, such a person becomes confused by feelings.
(3) Sure and secure. This person has trusted in Christ and continues to affirm his/her security is based upon the promises of God’s Word. It is as if you were to ask me whose son I am, I would respond, “I am the son of Richard and Pat Krell.” I have proof that would stand up in a court of law—a birth certificate. A piece of paper assures me that I am their son. God has given us a piece of paper—the inspired Word of God. It assures us that once we’ve trusted Christ, we are His. Our salvation is based upon a promise that cannot be broken. It comes from a God who cannot lie.
Dear Holy God, I claim the gift of spiritual rebirth that you offer through the work of Christ on the cross, and I cling to Your Word which assures me of my eternal life with you in your family! Praise be to You alone!!!
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