There is nothing that I can add to these incredible words that Paul has written here.
Not only are these verses powerful on their own, but they are the concluding "Hallelujah Chorus" of a chapter that shows us how our Loving Father has demolished every barrier that came between us and Him:
v1-4: When we were condemned by the law of sin and death (we sinned and therefore had to die) God sent Jesus to be our sin offering. Condemnation can't separate!
v5-8: When our sinful nature led us away from God, He sent His Spirit into our hearts so that we would move toward Him. Our sinful nature can't separate!
v9-11: Not only does the Spirit make our spirits alive, but the Spirit's presence in us means that we will be raised from death. Death cannot separate!
v12-17: We were far from God because we were slaves to sin and fear but now, through Christ's sacrifice and the "Spirit of sonship" we can call God "Daddy"! Slavery to fear can't separate!
v18-21: Even this world which is broken by sin will be liberated from its "bondage to decay." The broken world can't separate!
v22-25 When the brokenness around us threatens make us feel far from God, the Spirit puts a "hope-full groan" into our hearts. It helps us persevere! Despair can't separate!
v26-27 When our lack of prayer know-how puts a gap between us and God, the Spirit helps us pray! Lack of prayer skills can't separate!
v28-30 When the events of history seem out of control and chaotic, God transforms our circumstances to His purpose of bringing us back to Him. The events of history can't separate!
v31-34 No accuser can ever drive a wedge between us and God because Jesus intercedes for us! Accusers can't separate!
And so, this brings us to the end of an incredible chapter that triumphantly proclaims: "NOTHING can separate us from the LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST!"
Do I hear an "Amen!"?
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Hope you have enjoyed this series!
What was your favourite section of this chapter?
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
