Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Romans 8:38-39
Death
Don’t’ think that death is the end….it is really just the beginning for the believer in Christ. It is the door to eternity. They are just starting their journey in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-2), and death can’t keep any who believes in Christ out. We have God’s word on that (Rom 8:38).
Life
When Paul mentions that not even life can separate us from God, what does he mean? Perhaps he is saying that whatever happens in this life, no one can snatch us out of Jesus’ or the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29). Even when we fall back into sin for a season, this cannot separate us from God, because believers will get back up, dust themselves off, repent of that sin, and confess it to God, and then move on…toward the Promised Land.
Angels
When Paul mentions angels, I don’t think he had in mind the holy angels of God, because they regard us as brothers, at least they did to John who was told not to bow down and worship him where he wrote, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God” (Rev 22:8), so I think Paul is speaking about fallen angels or demons. Even these cannot separate us from God because He who is in you is infinitely greater that he and the demons who are in the world (1st John 4:4).
Rulers
In many places around the world, it appears that rulers have the upper hand on Christians. They throw many of them into prisons, they take away all their possessions, they torture them, and sometimes they even take their life, but remember, these rulers might be able to take their life, but they cannot touch their soul. No matter how powerful a ruler is, they cannot undo what God has already done.
Things
When Paul mentions those things that can’t separate us from God, he includes “anything else in all creation.” I would say that about covers it! Think of anything that’s created, demons or the Devil included, and nothing that is created can keep you from the love of God. It’s just not possible that anything can…so Paul covers everything by saying, “anything else in all creation.” Again, wow!
Conclusion
Nothing in life, among human rulers, among fallen angels, anything created, and even death can’t keep us from God. In fact, death will immediately usher us into the presence of the Lord, however if you have never repented and trusted in Christ, you will face the Lord, but with a much grimmer eternity (Rev 20:12-15). After death, all unbelievers will have an appointment for judgment (Heb 9:27; Rev 20:12-15, 21:8).
