"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers can separate us from the love of God" (Romans 8:38-39)
Romans 8:38-39 is among many scripture references that provide hope and assurance for those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives. Such verses attest to the fact that when we are believers in Jesus Christ - when we have been "born again" in Jesus Christ - when we identify with Jesus Christ as the head of our lives - then we are certain of our eternal destination and that we have certainty of the outcome once we pass from this life into the next.
There are many people, including too many who claim to be part of the community of faith, who are living in despair and seeming hopelessness. Those who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ, or who have rejected him, understandably struggle and are living without hope - even if they are not willing to admit the reality of their failure to accept Him. I very much believe in the "whosoever will Gospel" - i.e., the Gospel based on the truth of John 3:16. It is certainly God's grace that saves us, but He gives each individual a choice - we either accept Jesus Christ - or we reject Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground - we are either with Him or we are not with Him. For those not with Him, then the truth of Romans 8:38-39 is not applicable in their lives. Each of us must make a decision for or against Jesus Christ.
It is hard for me to avoid shouting "Amen - Praise the Lord" each time I read Romans 8:38-39. Why? Because Paul is clearly stating that nothing will separate us from the love of God - if we know Him as Savior and Lord. By general point of reference, Paul points out several seeming obstacles that some might say could separate us from the love of God. Neither death nor life will ever separate us from the love of God. Neither angels nor demons - nor any other spiritual being - will separate us from the love of God. No matter what we may have done in the past, nor what may occur in the future, can separate us from the love of God. There is nothing in all the world that can separate us from the love of God - when we know, love, follow, and worship Him. Nothing!
My friends, I certainly hope you understand what I am saying, and I pray that you might be renewed and encouraged by these words of the apostle Paul. All of us face challenges along the path of life. Satan is always seeking to pull us down. No matter how strong our faith and commitment may be, we will have significant obstacles in this life, that can pull us down and steal the joy of our salvation. May we remember the truth that Paul is sharing here. There is nothing that "can separate us from the love of God." Amen. Amen. Amen.