In his letter to the Roman church, Paul wrote several lines I cling to during times of struggle—words held close ever since Paul’s letter first echoed across that group of original Jesus followers.

Paul first asks, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Then he answers with a list of items that cannot separate us: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, death, life, angels, rulers, things present, things to come, powers, height, depth, or anything else in all creation.

Pretty exhaustive list, none of which separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul, the theologian, never shied away from specific instructions and details. He could argue minutiae with anyone. But in this case he’s broad – nothing in all creation can separate a follower of Jesus from the love of Christ.

But notice Paul’s specificity. He mentioned God’s elect. A distinct group of people. Then he reminds his readers of the importance of Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul referred to those who choose to follow Jesus, who made Jesus their Lord. His promise didn’t extend to those who reject Jesus or only merely dabble with religion.

Broad on the hopeful message, specific to whom it applies. Paul left little to doubt.

And doubtless this passage will be read, and prayed over, and memorized until Jesus finally returns and removes any question of separation ever again.

Romans 8:35-39 in week twenty-two of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Simon Rae