January 15 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Romans 8:35–39

Devotional

Paul asks the question, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” The implication is that nothing can do this. Paul is sure of it. This certainty, however, is not rooted in the faithfulness of God’s people. For the text does not say, “Who shall separate us from the love toward Christ?” That would be a love originating from God’s people and being also maintained by them. But that is not what is meant here. This is the love of Christ for His people and not the love His people have toward Him.

If the issue were the love His people have for Christ, then this separation would no longer be an impossibility. The sheep often say goodbye to their Shepherd. Actually love would be lost forever if it depended on the faithfulness of the sheep. The sheep of the flock let go of the Lord a thousand times. That is why we must take good note that we read here: the love of Christ. This love is totally dependent on Christ. Christ is the subject and His people are the object of this love. So, the love spoken of in our text originates from Christ and is sustained by Him. He loves His people and nothing can separate them from His love.

This love is rooted in the fact that Jesus is the Surety. In this passage Paul speaks of “Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” It is in His death that we find the evidence of this love. In His resurrection we find the strength of His love. Being seated at the right hand of God shows the guarantee of this love. His intercession shows the perseverance of His love.

This love is rooted in His work as Surety of His people. Christ never says goodbye to His people even if they repeatedly let go of Him. Who shall separate us from this love? The devil cannot even do this, because Christ conquered the devil. Death cannot do this, because Jesus is also the conqueror of death. Christ so loved His people that He became one with them in their lost condition. God the Father, therefore, cannot separate the Savior from His people, because God’s justice is satisfied in the Savior’s perfect work. Separation is a blessed impossibility because of His one-sided work as Surety.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.