In Romans 8 Paul ends this powerful chapter by saying he is persuaded that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Here is how the word persuaded is defined in the greek: Persuade– g3982. πείθω peithō; a primary verb; to convince (by argument); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); to assent (to evidence or approve), to rely (by inward certainty): — agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax), trust, yield.
Paul is persuaded that nothing can separate us! Romans 8 is convincing enough in and of its self. Here are some highlights: There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do God did by sending His own Son. The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. For we were saved in this hope. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. 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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither 1. death nor life, 2. nor angels nor principalities nor powers, 3. nor things present nor things to come, 4. nor height nor depth, 5. nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
After condensing thirty nine verses into the words above I want to look at v. 39. Paul says, “For I am persuaded that nether.” Neither means: that not one or not the other of two particular things. Paul is contrasting two extremes and he is persuaded because his comparison reveals the absolute. In other words: life and death and angels and demons and things that are happening, and things that are going to happen, and height and depth are all the absolute opposites and are extreme contrasts to one another in comparison. Paul is saying that life and death are extreme opposites and likewise with angels and demons, and today and tomorrow, and height and depth. He is saying that not one or not the other can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nor anything in between! He is doing this through analogy and argument of contrast and is persuaded that neither can separate us.
Let’s look at the five comparisons in this *analogy– (*a comparison of two things): 1. Life can be frustrating and disappointing. Death can be somewhat dreadful because of the separation from loved ones and the unknown of eternity; but neither can separate you from the love of God. 2. Angels are powerful and do the work of God. Demons are evil and use fear and intimidation; but neither can separate you from the love of God. 3. Today (the things present) can offer its own challenges, and tomorrow (the things to come) can cause uncertainty; but neither can separate you from the love of God. 4. The highest height and the lowest depth are infinite and unknown; but neither can separate you from the love of God. Now Paul adds one more thing without comparison: 5. Any created thing. We humans are created in God’s image. Nothing that God has created, especially A PERSON can separate you from the love of God. People sometimes create are greatest problems. But nevertheless, NO ONE or NO THING can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus your Lord! Which brings me to my last point: Paul says, “In Christ Jesus our Lord.” If Jesus Christ is your Lord, He should be Lord of all, and if He is Lord of all, He is Lord over all! Therefore, He is Lord over anything that will try to come against you. Paul was persuaded by the personal evidence of his own experience. How about you?
