Nov 17, 2019
Originally Presented: November 4, 2007
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:35-39
If Romans 8 is the highest peak in the theological mountain range that is the book of Romans, then verses 35-39 of chapter 8 are the summit of that great doctrinal peak. This glorious passage is the emotional climax of the book and is meant to instill in us courage and hope and sheer delight in the living God.
In Romans 8:35, Paul asks a final rhetorical question in a series of rhetorical questions. "If God is for us, who is against us?" (Rom 8:31). Expected answer … no one can successfully be against us.
"Who can bring a charge against God's elect?" (Rom 8:33). No one can accuse God's people with any eternal effect. "Who is he who condemns?" (Rom 8:34). No one can, ultimately, condemn Christians.
Now the final question, with the same expected answer. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom 8:35). Answer … nothing and no one can separate us from Christ's love for us, since He is omnipotent and He has decided to set His love on us.
In these verses, the apostle piles up words here for emphasis. Paul is convinced that this bond between him and God, the foundation of which is God’s love, is a bond such that it cannot be broken, no matter what! His proliferation of descriptive words is designed to depict all the possibilities.
The passage is meant to instill us with courage to face the troubles of life . . . with joy to put a song in our hearts . . . and with hope to face death itself without fear.