Throughout this chapter the Apostle Paul has been comforting the hearts and encouraging the faith of the Lord\u2019s people. He has done this by explaining the fulness of the gospel and the work of Christ in salvation. Paul has set before the church the everlasting love of God and all that God has done for us. He has spoken of foreknowledge and predestination, justification, conversion and the glory that awaits God\u2019s elect.<\/p>\n
Simple yet profound<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
The wisdom of God and thoroughness of His salvation is a great subject and a delight to study. It is true there is a simplicity in Christ that a child may discover and wayfaring men (though fools) may learn. However, this simplicity does not lessen the wonder of God\u2019s ways nor the far-reaching accomplishments of Christ. The benefits of God\u2019s love for His elect have been obtained by our Saviour\u2019s work on the cross. It is great salvation founded upon divine love and we shall marvel at God\u2019s goodness and mercy for all eternity.<\/p>\n
What and why<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
Here, Paul is telling us not only what the Lord Jesus did on the cross, but why He did it. All Christ fulfilled; the eternal decrees, the terms of the covenant, His coming, death, resurrection, ascension and intercession for us at the Father\u2019s right hand, all these things flow from the great love wherewith He loved us. Love for His Bride has always been our Saviour\u2019s motivation. \u2018We love him, because he first loved us.\u2019<\/p>\n
Love that conquers<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
Paul is speaking of our Saviour\u2019s love to us, not our love to Him. Christ\u2019s love is full, free, constant and unconditional and Paul is anxious that the believers in Rome who have experienced persecution at the hands of their enemies understand the constancy of the Saviour\u2019s care and kindness despite their trials. This is true for us, too. We may be tempted to doubt Christ\u2019s love because of the trials and hardships we face. Paul\u2019s message is that despite our tribulations nothing, and no one, can separate us from Christ\u2019s love.<\/p>\n
Love felt under fire<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
The apostle lists seven examples of troubles endured by the church of God throughout the ages. He lists tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and the sword. These definitions are not limited and the boundaries are surely blurred. The principle nevertheless remains. Let our enemies employ what opposition they will, let nature inflict its toll, let trouble come, none of these trials negate the Lord\u2019s love for us, none can hinder it, none shall separate us from it. In fact, our trials supply occasions in which the love of Christ is demonstrated.<\/p>\n
Stronger than death<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
Throughout history, exemplified here by the prophets, it has been the experience of God\u2019s people to be persecuted for their testimony and faithfulness. Paul drew on cases from the Old Testament in listing these particular afflictions. Nevertheless, God\u2019s love endures. He will do His people good. Christ\u2019s church, you and I, will be supplied with what we need, defended and vindicated. Our victory is assured. Even suffering unto death, should this be required, is a victory for believers. No one can separate us from the love of Christ who is stronger than death.<\/p>\n
For time and eternity<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
The eternal promises of God\u2019s covenant grace and Christ\u2019s love experienced day by day in a believer\u2019s life complement each another and comfort the church under persecution. Those who care little for Paul\u2019s teaching on predestination, justification and eternal glory will never properly enjoy the dimensions of God\u2019s love to us in Christ. Everlasting love provides for all our needs in time and for eternity. It endures and overcomes all things. It is personal, practical and precious. It will comfort us as we face the problems and hardships of everyday life.<\/p>\n
Amen.<\/p>\n