From " No Condemnation " to " No Separation "

Romans 8:1, 38-39   " There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in CHRIST JESUS, who walk not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT...........

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD. "

     It would be difficult to measure the amount of joy and comfort these words have brought to multitudes of Christians through the years: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD."  Yet, those words ring with the same intensity and assurance that they did on the day they were read by the believers at Rome. How many triumphant saints have trumpeted forth those words in times of pain, tragedy, distress, and loss, one can only imagine.

     Without verse one, however, the blessed truth of the closing two verses would not be possible. The song writer, Helen Griggs, wrote,  " Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone ! Yes, my sins are gone," conveying the reality that  "the blood of JESUS CHRIST (GOD's) SON cleanseth us from all sin" (1 Jn. 1:7b). Because of this, Paul could rejoice that GOD is for us and has freely given us all things (vv.31-32).  And, since GOD has declared us righteous through CHRIST, no one can level a legitimate charge against us nor condemn us (vv.33-34).  CHRIST has paid the price for our redemption, and HE WHO died, rose again, and ascended to the FATHER now makes intercession for us (Heb.9:24; 7:25). Based on these facts, the apostle asks,  "Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST ? " (v.35).  After listing possible deterrents to our security in CHRIST, Paul's voice rings out with a clarion cry,  " NAY, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM that loved us " (v.37).  Thank the LORD, nothing can separate us from our SAVIOR !  JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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