SOAP 05/27/2012; Romans 8:38-39

Today's reading: Proverbs 4,5,6; Romans 8      
S)"³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
     

Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)

     

O) This is such an amazing promise! There's an interesting dynamic that is easily missed, though. This promise is actually conditional (as most of, if not all of, the promises from God are). There's a notion out there that some people have in this country, that since God's love is unconditional, that He would never send people to hell. Or because His love is so strong, He'll save everyone. Now, let me make this clear, every person has the opportunity for this, and it's on the individual to access this, but what I think is misconstrued about this promise, is the idea that it's granted to anyone. It's not, though. The promise clearly says, at the end, that it's only found in Christ Jesus our Lord. This means that if a man is not putting Christ Jesus as his Lord, submitting himself to God's way for his life, then he should not expect that nothing can separate him from the love of God, because he has indeed cut himself off from this promise. The unconditional nature of God's love is true, and constant, and it will not change, and it's unconditional because it is for everyone and because God offers this to everyone, regardless of their past, regardless of their geneology, regardless of gender or race or social status. The difference is whether or not we are choosing to accept His grace and mercy that He has offered for those who are willing to repent and live their lives according to His plan.
     
A) I must continually submit myself to the rule, direction, and authority of Christ Jesus. He is my Lord. That means I hand over every part of my life, allowing Him to make all of my decisions, not just some of the more obvious ones. It's not about making sure I'm going to church, it's not even about escaping hell, at this point. It's about being in love with my savior. Love is not an emotion. And thank God for that! If love were and emotion, how fearful I would be that I might "fall out of love" with Jesus. No, it is a decision; it's a decision I will continue to make daily.

     

P) Father, in 1 John 4:19 says that we love because You first loved us. So truly written, as all Your words are! Your grace to love me, to offer Your son as ransom for my life, this is grace beyond measure. Thank You for providing the way to fulfill Your justice, and yet be reconciled to You, Father. Thank You for this amazing promise that nothing, nothing, can separate me from Your love. Holy Spirit, draw me in daily, to the Father of my grace and mercy, the Father of my spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.