“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 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 8:38-39
Did you ever feel like God didn’t love you? Sometimes when we go through trials or a difficulty we are tempted to think God has forgotten about us or doesn’t love us anymore. Maybe your lonely and feeling like no one cares let alone loves you. We may know that the Bible says, “For God so loved the world,” but question the truth of that statement. I want to tell you that God’s word is true. God does love you. The Holy Spirit wants to overflow you with His love.
Victor Wurmbrand in his book Tortured for Christ comments that only the power of God’s love can defeat an enemy like Communism.
Around me were ‘Jobs’ – some much more afflicted than Job had been. But I knew the end of Job’s story, how he received twice as much as he had before. I had around me men like Lazarus the beggar, hungry and covered with boils. But I knew that angels would take these men to the bosom of Abraham. I saw them as they will be in the future. I saw in the shabby, dirty, weak martyr near me the splendidly crowned saint of tomorrow. But looking at men like this – not as they are, but as they will be – I could also see in our persecutors a Saul of Tarsus – a future apostle Paul. And some have already become so. Many officers of the secret police to whom we witnessed became Christians and were happy to later suffer in prison for having found our Christ. Although we were whipped, as Paul was, in our jailers we saw the potential of the jailer in Philippi who became a convert. We dreamed that soon they would ask, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ In those who mocked the Christians who were tied to crosses and smeared with excrement, we saw the crowd of Golgotha who were soon to beat their breasts in fear of having sinned.
It was in prison that we found the hope of salvation for the Communists. It was there that we developed a sense of responsibility towards them. It was in being tortured by them that we learned to love them.
A great part of my family was murdered. It was in my own house that their murderer was converted. It was also the most suitable place. So, in Communist prisons the idea of a Christian mission to the Communists was born.
God sees things differently than we see them, just as we see differently than an ant. From the human point of view, to be tied to a cross and smeared with excrement is a horrible thing. Nonetheless, the Bible calls the sufferings of martyrs ‘light afflictions’. To be in prison for fourteen years is a long period to us. The Bible calls it ‘but for a moment’ and tells us that these things are ‘working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory’ (2 Corinthians 4: 17). This gives us the right to suppose that the fierce crimes of the Communists, which are inexcusable to us, are lighter in the eyes of God than they are in our eyes. Their tyranny, which has lasted almost an entire century, may be before God, for whom a thousand years are like one day, only a moment of erring astray. They still have the possibility of being saved.
The gates of heaven are not closed for the Communists. Neither is the light quenched for them. They can repent like everyone else. And we must call them to repentance.
Only love can change the Communist and the terrorist (a love that must be clearly distinguished from compromise with non-Christian philosophies, practiced by many church leaders). Hatred blinds. Hitler was an anti-Communist, but one who hated. Therefore, instead of conquering them, he helped them win one-third of the world.
God’s love is powerful; it can conquer enemies like Communism, but it can also conquer our personal fears which often feel as indomitable as Communism.
In Romans 8:31-39 there are powerful inspired words for those going through difficulties. The historical context for this letter to Christians in Rome, is severe persecution. What the Apostle Paul says in these climactic verses of one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible, is that in the Spirit, there is comfort and invincible truth to get us through whatever we are facing.
When we go through an attack, persecution, or trial of some kind, the only thing worse than going through it, is going through it alone. Loneliness, especially during times of difficulty and stress, is one of the greatest battles of life. But these last verses of Romans 8 tell us that WE ARE NEVER TRULY ALONE – GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US! We can have a sense of loving security no matter the difficulty we face. That’s because GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US! WE ARE ALWAYS SECURE BECAUSE GOD IS ALWAYS THERE WITH US.
These last few verses of the magnificent chapter eight of Romans, provide the Christian with protection from the onslaught of the enemy. Paul makes use of rhetorical questions, questions that convey an answer in a profound way. So, even in the structure of Paul’s rhetoric, we can be sure of God and His love for us.
Romans 8:31-39 (NKJV)
31 What then shall we say to these things?
What “things” is Paul referring to here? If we review and summarize Romans 8 thus far the “things” Paul is referring to here are:
- That there is no condemnation for those born again (I.e., regenerated) of the Spirit and walking in the Spirit not their flesh (or own strength) – 8:1-4.
- Living according to the flesh is death and makes us an enemy of God, but living according to the Spirit is life and makes us children of God – 8:5-8.
- Only those who have the Spirit within have spiritual life and belong to God – 8:9-11.
- When we live by the Spirit we put to death sinful things, relate to God as our Father, and have an assurance of our salvation – 8:12-17.
- This Spirit-filled life helps us deal with our fallenness and gives us hope – 8:18-25.
- The Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak, especially when we go through trials. The primary assistance the Spirit gives us is through prayer – 8:26-27.
- In the Spirit as we love God and live out His call, “all things work together for good,” even persecution – 8:28.
- We are assured by the Spirit that the work God has begun in us, God will complete until we are glorified – 8:29-30.
These are the “things” Paul is referring to. We might also add that all that we have seen from Romans 1:1 to Romans 8:31 might be included.
If God is for us, who can be against us?
In light of what we’ve seen in Romans thus far therefore, we can say that “God is for us.” And with such backing and provision of us from God, whoever comes against us can’t shake us. In other words, given all of God’s provision, who cares who comes against us?
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Paul points out that God didn’t spare His own Son. If God is willing to go to that extent to save us, there’s nothing we need He wouldn’t provide. There’s nothing greater than the gift of Jesus. We should keep this in mind as we live life, and especially when we go through trials like persecution. God is for us, no matter what. God will always provide all we need. His track record proves this true.
33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
No one is in a position to bring a charge against us, that would be a basis of God not justifying us. Remember, there is “no condemnation” to those who are “in Christ Jesus.”
34 Who is he who condemns?
Paul here speaks to how to handle those who judge us in a carnal sinful way. Jesus advised us not to “judge” others (Matthew 7:1). Some have taken this instruction of Jesus and used it as protection against those who God would use to convict them of their sin. When Jesus said, “Don’t judge,” He was advising against judging others as though you were God who alone can condemn. But in the same context Jesus instructs us to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing and false prophets. To do that requires a level of judgment. We are to “test all things,” to prove what is good and right (1 Thes. 5:21). God’s word is in part for “reproof,” or distinguishing between what is right and wrong, righteous versus sinful, of God and not of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Whoever condemns us, even if the devil condemns us, they have no just basis for their condemnation. That’s because JESUS DIED AND ROSE AGAIN AND IS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD INTERCEDING FOR US. INCREDIBLE!
The phrase “right hand of God” is significant. The Archeological Study Bible explains:
(Archaeological Study Bible Notes) The “Right Hand” in Ancient Thinking. The hand was symbolic in the ancient world. It was believed that from it one either bestowed grace or pronounced punishment. In addition, the hand represented the authority of an individual, the instrument of carrying out a person’s intentions. The right hand, in particular, was special for two reasons. First, the left hand was universally acknowledged to be the one used for sanitation purposes and, therefore, was less respected than its counterpart. Secondly, since most people were right-handed, the right hand was considered to have innately superior strength and capability.
Because of its special physical status, the right hand was assigned important metaphorical significance, frequently expressing blessing, fellowship, or comfort. Certain acts of ritual cleansing, as well as the ordination of the Aaronic priesthood, involved the right hand or the right-hand side. The right hand was also used in taking vows in judicial matters, since it was believed to represent the character, will and actions of the individual taking the vow. In literature, it personified a king or deity’s character and deeds, while in the Hebrew Bible the right hand represented God’s ultimate strength and provision for his people.
To be seated at the right hand of a ruler or host meant occupying a place of high honor. The position itself was considered an indicator of the power and authority of the one holding it. Someone who sat at the king’s right hand was, as in the modern English idiom, his “right-hand man,” — the one acting as the principal agent of the king’s authority, through whom he carried out his most important work. In addition, sitting at the right hand was a statement of fellowship and favor between the central figure and the individual so honored. Jesus Christ is depicted several times in the Bible as sitting at the right hand of God the Father for eternity (Ps 110:1; Ac 2:33–35; 5:31; Ro 8:34; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pe 3:22).
Jesus, therefore, God’s right hand of authority, is interceding for us. Because of His death and resurrection, when an accusation or condemnation is made against one of His people, He simply says, “See here” pointing to His nail pierced hands, feet, and side, intimating the debt of death owed because of sin, has been paid in full.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
It’s interesting that Paul says “who” shall separate us from the love of Christ, but then answers his own question with “what” things challenge us to try and separate us from the love of Jesus.
Notice also that Paul doesn’t ask who shall separate us from Jesus, but from “the love of Jesus.
A wedge between Christians and the love of Jesus. What is Paul getting at here? I suggest the following. I suggest that one of the main underlying purposes of the tactics of the enemy is to get the Christian to question God’s love for them. This is especially the case in times of persecution or trial. If Satan can put a wedge between us and the love of Jesus, he has weakened us greatly and made us vulnerable to defeat.
Shall tribulation,
“Tribulation” (Greek thlipsis) refers to the pressures of affliction, or the pressure cooker of life, the squeeze of the world, the head lock of the devil, the vice grip of the devil on your heart. When we experience life’s pressures we might be tempted to think, “Does Jesus really love me?” If we respond to life’s pressures with such thoughts, listen to the Spirit because He says, “Nothing can separate you from Jesus’ love; nothing can stop Jesus from loving you.
or distress,
“Distress” (Greek stenochōria) refers to narrowness, or being squeezed by calamity, distress, or anguish. If you’re feeling claustrophobic and squeezed in some way, don’t think Jesus doesn’t still love you because He does.
or persecution,
“Persecution” (Greek diogmos) refers to someone being chased or pursued as during persecution. Even if we are persecuted, it doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t love us. Jesus identifies with those of His people who are persecuted. When Jesus confronted the persecutor Saul, He said, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me.” Jesus loves us even if and when we are persecuted.
or famine,
“Famine” (Greek limos) means scarcity of food, hunger, famine. Even when we are without food or the basic necessities of life, Jesus still loves us.
or nakedness,
“Nakedness” (Greek gymnotes) means nudity, nakedness. Even when we can’t cloth ourselves, or our clothes are taken away to shame us or embarrass us, Jesus still loves us.
or peril,
“Peril” (Greek kindynos) means danger, peril. Even when we are in dangerous situations, Jesus loves us. When Daniel’s three friends were in the fiery furnace, Jesus was right there with them (Daniel 3).
or sword?
“Sword” (Greek machaira) refers to a knife, judicial punishment, war, sword. This is a “sword” or large knife used slaughtering or sacrificing animals. Even the threat of slaughtered doesn’t separate us from the love of Jesus.
36 As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
Paul quotes Psalm 44:22 which speaks of execution during a time of defeat or persecution.
A.B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian Missionary Alliance denomination spoke of:
Are we learning love in the school of suffering? Are our hearts being mellowed and deepened by the summer heat of trial until the fruit of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance-is ripening for the harvest of His coming, and our sufferings are easily borne for His sake? This is the school of love, and the lessons make Him unutterably more dear to our hearts and us to His. In this way only can we learn with Him the heavenly charity which suffers long, and is kind. We see that the very first and the very last features of the face of love, as delineated in Paul’s portrait of it (1 Corinthians 13), are marks of pain and patient suffering-suffers long, endureth all things. So let us learn in the school of love to suffer, to be kind and to endure all things. Surely it will not be hard to love through every circumstance when it is the heart of Jesus within us that will love and continue to love to the very end. I want the love that suffers and is kind, That envies not nor vaunts its pride of fame. Is not puffed up, does not discourteous act, Is not provoked, nor seeks its own to claim.
–A.B. Simpson
We need not fear persecution. It’s likely at some point that we will experience it. But God can use even persecution for His glory. The testimony of the saints who endure persecution with other worldly peace has won many a soul among the gang of persecutors.
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
The phrase, “more than conquerors,” is translated from one Greek term hupernikomen from the root word hupernikao which means literally, “to vanquish beyond; to gain a decisive victory; more than conquer.” [1] This word is formed by connecting the Greek prefix huper which means,” over; above; more than; superior; exceeding” in front of the Greek term nikao which means, “superior; conquer; overcome; prevail; get the victory..”[2]
A conqueror is one who goes into battle with the outcome undetermined and still at risk. But what is “more than a conqueror”? One who is “more than a conqueror,” is one who goes into battle KNOWING THE OUTCOME, CERTAIN AND SECURE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE VICTORY PROMISED BY GOD.
It should also be noted that the grammatical form of the word HUPERNIKAO (Present/Active/Indicative) implies an ongoing state of being or action. This is a constant state and action. In the Spirit, we are ALWAYS more than conquerors. Maybe that’s not your experience. If it isn’t, it can be. How can the believer hold such a certainty?
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 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.
Paul says, “For I am persuaded.” The grammar of “I am persuaded” (Perfect/Middle/Indicative) conveys the idea that in the past, or from the beginning I have been convinced, persuaded, satisfied of what follows here. The context of Romans 8 means that such persuasion or more-than-a-conqueror confidence, is a work of the Holy Spirit!
Paul was persuaded that neither death nor life could separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Whether we live or die, God loves us. That is the message and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Paul was convinced that neither angels, or principalities, or power could separate him from the love of God in Christ. “Angels” (Greek angelos) refers to Messengers, angels, usually from the spirit realm. “Principalities” (Greek archai) refers to authorities, rulers. “Powers” (Greek dunameis) refers to those with power, might, ability, or force. None of these sources of authority can separate us from the love of God in Christ.
Paul then broadens the scope of the things he says cannot separate from God’s love in Christ. Nothing “present” nor anything “to come” can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Nothing high or low can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Nothing created can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Simply stated, there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. Think about that. Amazing!
In the book Tortured for Christ, Victor Wurmbrand shares stories from his fourteen years of imprisonment under Russian communist rule:
One great lesson arose from all the beatings, tortures, and butchery of the Communists: that the spirit is master of the body. We felt the torture, but it often seemed as something distant and far removed from the spirit which was lost in the glory of Christ and His presence with us. . ..
In the Tirgu-Ocna prison was a very young prisoner named Matchevici. He had been put in prison at the age of eighteen. Because of the tortures, he was very sick with tuberculosis. His family found out somehow that he was in this grave state of health and sent him one hundred bottles of streptomycin which could make the difference between life and death. The political officer of the prison called Matchevici and showed him the parcel and said, ‘Here is the medicine that can save your life. But you are not allowed to receive parcels from your family. Personally, I would like to help you. You are young. I would not like you to die in prison. Help me to be able to help you! Give me information against your fellow prisoners and this will enable me to justify before my superiors why I gave you the parcel.’
Matchevici answered, ‘I don’t wish to remain alive and be ashamed to look in a mirror, because I will see the face of a traitor. I cannot accept such a condition. I prefer to die.’ The officer of the secret police shook Matchevici’s hand and said, ‘I congratulate you. I didn’t expect any other answer from you. But I would like to make another proposal. Some of the prisoners have become our informers. They claim to be Communist, and they are denouncing you. They play a double role. We have no confidence in them. We would like to know in what measure they are sincere. Towards you they are traitors who are doing you much harm, informing us about your words and deeds. I understand that you don’t want to betray your comrades. But give us information about those who oppose you so you will save your life!’ Matchevici answered, as promptly as the first time, ‘I am a disciple of Christ and He has taught us to love even our enemies. The men who betray us do us much harm, but I cannot reward evil with evil. I cannot give information even against them. I pity them. I pray for them. I don’t wish to have any connection with the Communists.’ Matchevici came back from the discussion with the political officer and died in the same cell I was in. I saw him die – he was praising God. Love conquered even the natural thirst for life.
If a poor man is a great lover of music, he gives his last dollar to listen to a concert. He is then without money, but he does not feel frustrated. He has heard beautiful things. I don’t feel frustrated to have lost many years in prison. I have seen beautiful things. I myself have been among the weak and insignificant ones in prison but have had the privilege to be in the same jail with great saints, heroes of faith who equaled the Christians of the first centuries. They went gladly to die for Christ. The spiritual beauty of such saints and heroes of faith can never be described.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God. That is the promise and provision of life in the Spirit. The only thing that threatens such blessing in our lives is our disbelief. Our distractions, our shallowness and lack of concern can rob us of the profound meaning and blessing of how secure we are in His love. Don’t let that happen! Don’t let anything separate you from the love of God in Christ, not even you! Oh, Lord Jesus, secure is in Your love. In Your name
[1]James Strong, New Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1996.
[2]James Strong, New Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1996.