“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“
Romans 8:31–39
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Everything that has been said thus far is culminating in our passage for today. The anticipation of glory (8:18-25), the help of the Holy Spirit (8:26-27), and our election (8:28-30) all beckon Paul to write, What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
A crescendo of wonderful consolations sing throughout verses 31-39. If God is for us, who can be against us? No evil will ever overcome! God, who gave His own Son for us will give us all things. Not one charge from the Accuser can be put up against you because God has chosen and justified you. No one can condemn you because Jesus died, was resurrected, and intercedes for you! Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!
How wonderful to read these truths as a new believer.
How encouraging to read these truths as a mature believer.
How strengthening to read these truths as a believer battling addiction.
How uplifting to read these truths as a believer battling depression.
How comforting to read these truths as a believer in the midst of suffering.
How consoling to read these truths as a believer nearing death.
The list goes on and on and on, because for the Christian, any “trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword,” any suffering at all is unfolding into the love, glory, and joy of God’s presence.
As a final word of encouragement, consider and cherish the following question and answer from the Heidelberg Catechism,
- What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
1Chad Van Dixhoorn. Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms (Kindle Locations 4964-4972). Kindle Edition.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- What is your comfort in life and death?
- How have these words—and the reality of God’s presence—brought you tangible comfort?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, April 19: Ecclesiastes 6; 2 Timothy 2
- Saturday, April 20: Ecclesiastes 7; 2 Timothy 3
- Sunday, April 21: Ecclesiastes 8; 2 Timothy 4