Paul uses the term “persuaded” to express assurance. When he said he was persuaded of something regarding God, he meant he was fully convinced of its truth. It was a settled reality to him — no longer a matter of question.
In Romans 8:38-39, Paul speaks of one such conviction:
“For I am persuaded 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!”
Some people worry about being separated from God’s love. They fear it might turn to hatred against them. They live in anxiety, questioning whether their conduct merits His approval and dreading His wrath. Their life is one of fear and bondage.
Paul had no such fears. He knew God is full of love, pity, and compassion. Even when we were sinners, Christ died for us. The Father so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son. If He loved us as rebels, how much more as His children? Instead of fearing separation from God’s love, Paul exclaims, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (v. 35).
Paul understood the strength of earthly love. He knew a mother’s love — how she clings to her child no matter where he wanders. He knew other forms of human love and their tenacity. But the love of God in Christ surpasses them all. So, he asks, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Then he lists possible threats, only to reaffirm that none can succeed.
He says, “Neither death nor life.” If death takes us, it only ushers us into the more immediate presence of Christ’s love. If we continue in life, that love will sustain us through every trial. Neither time nor change can make Christ’s divine love grow cold.
“Nor angels.” The angels in heaven, though they surround God, will not take up so much of His attention that He forgets us. And evil angels — those who hate both God and us — cannot separate us from His love. Even Satan himself lacks the power to sever that bond.
Satan has no knife sharp enough to cut that love, no strength to tear Christ’s love from our hearts. The cords of divine love cannot be burned or broken. Every Christian is safe in God’s keeping.
“Nor things present.” Do you believe that? Do you trust that whatever is pressing upon you at this moment cannot separate you from God’s love? Life is full of discouragements, perplexities, and troubles. Many things would pull us away. Yet none of them can make God turn His back on us.
“Nor things to come.” Do you fear the future? Do you look ahead with dread, wondering how you will endure? Those coming trials cannot separate you from God’s love. His love will hold you through them all, becoming your strength, safeguard, and hope. Cast away your fears! Let the confidence of Paul fill your soul until you, too, can say with assurance, “I am persuaded!”
“Nor height, nor depth.” It does not matter how high God is above us in majesty and greatness — His love still reaches us. Nor does it matter how low we sink in discouragement or helplessness. His love bridges the gulf.
O soul, trust in that love. It will never fail you. It will hold you fast through the gales of life. Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, perils — none of these shall separate you from Him!
Paul concludes: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us!” (v. 37). Christ’s love will carry us as on eagles’ wings. It will smooth rough paths, strengthen the fainting heart, and preserve us in temptation. Even when we fall short, when we fail in ways we regret, that love will not cast us off. It will hold us securely to the end.
Let us trust in that love, be confident in it, and rest in full assurance of faith, knowing that:
When the storm-winds rage, and the rain falls fast, And the clouds hang low above,
I shall be secure until the storm is past, For I trust my Savior’s love!
He knows the way, and He holds my hand, And He will not let it go;
He will lead me home to that better land, Just because He loves me so!
I will trust His love, for it e’er will last; It is rich and warm and free;
Through the years of life it will hold me fast, And my help and comfort be.
To my waiting heart all its treasures rare, As a sparkling stream shall flow;
In the joy of God I shall ever share, Just because He loves me so!
The hymn above, “Because He Loves Me,” was written by Charles Naylor and included in the 1918 hymnal “Songs of Grace and Glory.” Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.
