No Separation

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:37-39

Augustine famously wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” The most horrific experience a person can face indeed is to be separated from God. While in this life unbelievers are spiritually separated from the life of God, it will not be until after death they face the ultimate darkness of that reality. For, while in this world, they still experience God’s common grace. The sun shines on them just as it does their Christian neighbor, and their garden receives the same rainfall as their believing friend. The separation is real, but it is not complete.

But what about those joined to Christ by faith? Can that relationship be severed? Paul gives a resounding “no” to the idea. Neither the troubles of this world, the physical trials that come our way, nor any assaults from the physical realm can pry us from Christ’s firm grip. He will hold us fast.