Romans 8:38
Verse
Context
More than Conquerors
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For I am persuaded - After the blessed experience we have had of support by the grace and Spirit of him that loved us, that neither fear of death, nor hope of life, nor evil angels, nor principalities, nor powers, persecuting us for Christ's sake; nor the things we endure at present, nor the things to come, whatever tribulation we may be called to suffer in future;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers--whether good or bad. But as the bad are not called "angels," or "principalities," or "powers," save with some addition to show that such are meant (Mat 25:41; Col 2:15; Eph 6:12; Pe2 2:4 --except perhaps Co1 6:3), probably the good are meant here, but merely as the same apostle supposes an angel from heaven to preach a false gospel. (So the best interpreters). nor things present, nor things to come--no condition of the present life and none of the unknown possibilities of the life to come.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I am persuaded,.... These words with the following, express the strong persuasion, and full assurance of faith the apostle had, that nothing whatever could separate him and the rest of God's people, from his love towards them in Christ Jesus. This persuasion not only regards himself, but others; and is not conjectural, but certain; and which did not arise from any special and extraordinary revelation, but is founded upon the nature of the love of God itself, the security of it in Christ, and of the persons of God's elect in him; upon eternal predestination, and the unalterable purposes of God; upon the promise and oath of God; upon adoption, and the gracious witnessings, assistances, and inhabitation of the Spirit; and is greatly increased by the consideration of the death, resurrection, and intercession of Christ. The things enumerated, which are not able to separate from the love of God, are as follow: death; death separates men from the world, their worldly habitations and substance; it separates the soul from the body, and one friend from another; and in process of time, may take off all thoughts and affections for departed friends, but it is not able to separate from the love of God; it is so far from it, that it lets the soul into the fullest enjoyment of it: and as corporeal death, so no other kind of death can do it; for if the death of the body cannot, the death of afflictions never can; and as for a moral or spiritual death, and an eternal one, these shall never befall the children of God: nor life; this natural and temporal life, which is frail and mortal; the love of God is better than this life, and this itself is the effect of divine favour; wherefore this can never separate from the love of God, nor anything in it: the life of believers is indeed filled up with troubles and exercises, and attended with much imperfection and sin; but nothing does, or can alienate the affections of God from his children; for though he exercises them with the trials of life, and chastises them for their sins, yet his loving kindness be does not take away from them: nor angels; by whom are meant evil angels, the devils; for as for good angels, they never attempt to separate God and his people; they rejoice at their good, minister to them, are their guardians whilst here, at death they carry their souls to heaven, and at the last day will gather all the elect together; but evil angels do endeavour it, by temptations to sin, and accusations for it; by stirring up heresies and persecutions, in order to destroy them, but cannot succeed; for the saints are upon God's heart, are in Christ's hands, and on him the rock; and the Spirit of God is in them, who is greater than he that is in the world: nor principalities: civil magistrates; who though they may separate them from their company, and cast them out as evil; may separate them in prisons one from another; and separate soul and body, by killing the latter, which is all they can do; yet they cannot separate neither soul nor body from the love of God: the Jews often say, that if all the nations of the world were gathered together, they could not extinguish (n) or cause to cease (o), or take away the love which is between God and his people Israel (p): nor powers; either the same with the former; or false teachers who had the power of working miracles in confirmation of their doctrines, by which they deceived many; and if it had been possible, would have deceived the elect of God, but that was impossible: nor things present; present evils, the afflictions of the present life; God does not cease to love when he afflicts his people; yea, afflictions spring from his love, and in them he afresh manifests his love to them; they are overruled for their good, and issue in eternal glory. Present temptations also may be meant. The best of saints have been exposed unto them; Christ himself was not exempted from them; these do not, nor cannot separate from the love of God; which is manifest from the regard which God and Christ have to tempted ones, by sympathizing with them, supporting and succouring of them, rebuking the tempter, and delivering from them. Present desertions, or the hidings of God's face, which often is the case of his dear children, can have no such effect; their relation to God still continues; they have great nearness unto him, are engraven on the palms of his hands, are set as a seal on his heart, and he bears a strong affection to them; though, for wise reasons, he is pleased for a moment to hide himself from them: yea, the present body of sin and death saints carry about with them in this life, cannot separate them; sin has separated the angels from God, who rebelled against him; it drove Adam out of the garden of Eden, and will exclude the wicked from the divine presence to all eternity; and it often separates between God and his own people, with respect to communion, but never with respect to union to him, or interest in him; for he knew what they would be when he set his love upon them; his love broke through all the corruptions of nature and sins of life in their conversion; and appears to continue the same from the strong expressions of his grace to them, notwithstanding all their backslidings; could sin separate in this sense, no one would remain the object of his love. Now this does not suppose that God loves sin, nor does it give any encouragement to it; for though it cannot separate from interest in God, yet it does from the enjoyment of him. Again, present good things may be designed, the good things of this life, temporal enjoyments; these are given in love; and though they may be but few, they are in mercy, and with a blessing; and the great mercy of all is, that these are not their all, nor do they take off their value and esteem for the love of God, which is better to them than all the things of life; and though "the prosperity of fools shall destroy them", Pro 1:32, the prosperity of the saints shall never be their ruin: nor things to come; whether good or bad, prosperous or adverse; more afflictions, fresh difficulties with the body of sin; an hour of temptation, and time of distress that is to come upon all the earth; or the evil days of old age; God will never leave, nor forsake his people, or cause his loving kindness to depart from them, in whatsoever state or condition they may come into: the Vulgate Latin version adds, "nor fortitude"; and the Ethiopic version, "nor powers"; and one copy adds it in the beginning of Rom 8:39, "nor power". (n) Targum in Cant. viii. 7. (o) Shemot Rabba, sect. 49. fol. 144. 1. (p) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 2. fol. 179. 4.
Romans 8:38
More than Conquerors
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Outside Looking in - Part 2
By David Wilkerson2.3K56:45ROM 8:38This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing and believing in the love of God, highlighting the struggles and failures individuals face, the need for repentance, and the assurance of God's unconditional love and forgiveness. It delves into the concept of being secure in God's love, the impact of understanding His love on our lives, and the necessity of accepting His love to overcome sin and despair.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 7
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K09:21ROM 8:38EPH 5:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually filled and empowered by the Holy Ghost to combat the challenges and deceptions of the world. It discusses the need for believers to be like drunk men filled with the Spirit, liberated from fear and bondage, and standing firm against the enemy's attacks. The sermon also touches on the power of Christianity to bring liberation and the necessity of obedience over mere knowledge or lies.
Galatians: The Gospel of Grace
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:05:23GospelROM 8:38GAL 1:16GAL 2:20GAL 4:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the grace of God. He explains that even after being saved, people can become greedy and rely on their own strength instead of God's grace. The preacher uses the analogy of a Roman punishment for murderers, where the corpse of the victim is tied to the murderer until it decomposes, to illustrate the frustration of trying to live a pleasing life to God without relying on His grace. He encourages believers to turn their hearts to God and allow Him to reveal His Son in them, which is the essence of the Gospel and the beginning of grace.
The Fight (Reading)
By J.C. Ryle1.5K45:50ECC 12:6ISA 63:2JHN 6:37JHN 10:28ROM 6:14ROM 8:38ROM 16:20PHP 1:6HEB 13:5REV 21:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of spiritual warfare and the struggle that Christians face in their journey towards eternal rewards. He emphasizes that true Christianity is not a passive endeavor, but rather a fight and a warfare. The preacher highlights the importance of relying on God's promises and the assurance that He will fulfill them. He encourages believers to trust in God's provision, strength, and faithfulness, reminding them that sin will not have dominion over them and that God will ultimately bring victory over Satan.
Resist the Devil by Mario Digangi - Part 5
By Mariano Di Gangi1.2K06:13JHN 15:5ROM 8:38EPH 6:10EPH 6:16PHP 4:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on the supernatural power of the Lord in the face of the kingdom of darkness. It suggests that our strength comes from Christ and that we should not rely on our own abilities. The message encourages resisting the enemy by standing firm in faith, prayer, and unity with other believers to overcome the divisive tactics of the evil one.
Are You Safe?
By Hywel R. Jones99458:06SafetyMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 20:21ROM 8:1ROM 8:38In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Romans chapter eight and its central message of safety or salvation for Christians. The chapter begins and ends with the themes of no condemnation and no separation. The speaker emphasizes that Christians are safe from God's condemnation. The sermon poses the question to the audience, "Are you safe?" and highlights the uncertainty and dangers of the world. The speaker encourages listeners to grasp the truth of their safety in Christ and live it out in praise and glory to God.
Discipleship
By Gerhard Du Toit98756:43DiscipleshipROM 8:38In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a man who was running towards the border between Angola and South West Africa with a burning desire inside him. He arrived at a mission station and asked for help, and the missionary pointed him to Christ. The man was converted and became a prominent black evangelist. The speaker emphasizes the preciousness of every individual's life for Jesus and urges young people to accept Him as their personal savior. He also shares a personal experience of leading an engineer to Christ and witnessing a transformation in his life. The sermon concludes with a tragic incident where an African Christian was shot while reading from the Bible, highlighting the resistance against the love of God.
The Final Judgment of God - William Blackburn
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons94026:16RadioROM 8:38In this sermon, William Blackburn emphasizes the message of God's love, mercy, and grace throughout the Bible. He highlights the importance of repentance and turning away from sin to receive God's forgiveness. Blackburn warns America about its moral decay, including issues such as homosexuality, abortion, pornography, and drug use. He reminds the audience that God has appointed a day of judgment, as promised in the Bible, and urges them to seek salvation through Jesus Christ.
1 John 2 - Knowing God
By Gareth Evans87147:53Christian LifeROM 8:38COL 2:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of using the truth of God's word to combat the lies and attacks of the evil one. He emphasizes the need for believers to have faith and trust in God, as well as to rely on His provision for their needs. The preacher also addresses the challenges of being a missionary in today's world, highlighting the dangers and obstacles that missionaries may face. He concludes by reminding listeners of the power of Satan's lies and the importance of holding onto the truth of God's word.
The Holy Spirit 04 Sealed by the Spirit
By Svend Christensen79538:19JER 32:6ACT 1:5ROM 8:38EPH 4:30In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of justification and how it relates to sinners. He emphasizes that all people are guilty before God and in need of redemption. The preacher explains that justification means God declares the sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. He uses examples from the book of Romans and the book of Revelation to illustrate the sealing of believers and the finished transaction of redemption. The sermon concludes with the message that salvation is a free gift from God and all one needs to do is receive it.
Unstoppable Love - God the Pursuer
By Shane Idleman66847:23ROM 8:38The sermon titled 'Unstoppable Love, God the Pursuer' emphasizes God's relentless pursuit of us, challenging the misconception of God being distant or angry. It delves into the concept of wandering from God's safety and the need to return to Him. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's pursuit, rejecting lies of unworthiness, and understanding that nothing can separate us from God's love. It also touches on the responsibility of responding to God's call and the balance between God's sovereignty and human choice.
Knowing the Unknowable
By Jim Cymbala65226:56Love Of GodROM 8:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the depth and width of God's love for us. He highlights that only with the help of the Holy Spirit can we truly comprehend this love. The preacher also addresses the tactics of Satan, who tries to deceive us into thinking that God is angry and judgmental towards us. However, the preacher reassures the audience that God's love is unconditional and unchanging, even when we fail Him. The sermon concludes with a reminder to live in the peace and security of God's love, and to trust in His plans for the future.
No Longer Separated
By Basilea Schlink62104:35Radio ShowJHN 15:16ROM 8:38In this sermon transcript titled "No Longer Separated," Basilia Schlink emphasizes the joyous message that God lives and works today through our Lord Jesus Christ. She highlights the importance of being united with Jesus and keeping the covenant He has made with us. Schlink uses a childhood game as an analogy to illustrate the bond of friendship and partnership we can have with Jesus. She encourages believers to have a deep relationship with Jesus, where we can share everything with Him and rely on Him in our struggles and problems. The sermon emphasizes the invitation from Jesus to be united with Him and experience the blessings and fruitfulness that come from this unity.
For God So Loved
By Carter Conlon60535:22Love Of GodJHN 3:16ROM 8:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the immense love that God has for every individual, regardless of their past or current circumstances. He highlights that God's love is so great that He sent His only Son into the world to save humanity. The preacher encourages the congregation to believe in Jesus and experience the incredible love of God. He also prays for God's light to shine in every heart and situation, and for God to work in a powerful way in this generation. The sermon concludes with the reminder that one day, everyone will stand before the throne of God and be enveloped in His immeasurable love.
Ambassadors for Christ
By Leonard Ravenhill12249:51AmbassadorshipAmbassadorsIdentity in ChristMAT 6:33ROM 8:382CO 5:20EPH 6:20PHP 3:20Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound responsibility and privilege of being an ambassador for Christ, as articulated by the Apostle Paul. He highlights that this role is not self-appointed or self-supported, but rather a divine calling that requires boldness and reliance on God's resources. Ravenhill contrasts the worldly perception of ambassadors with the spiritual reality, where true ambassadors often face peril and rejection. He urges believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the importance of living out their ambassadorship with integrity and purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the spiritual authority and connection that comes with being an ambassador for the Kingdom of God.
Mis Direction - Failure Is Not Final
By Shane Idleman1949:45FastingGod's PromisesGEN 15:6PRO 16:9ISA 64:1JOL 1:14MAT 6:16ROM 8:28ROM 8:38Shane Idleman emphasizes that failure is not final and encourages believers to seek God's direction through fasting and prayer, especially in light of the moral decline in society. He calls for a corporate fast for the nation, urging individuals to starve their flesh and seek a deeper relationship with God. Idleman highlights the importance of believing in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire, and reminds the congregation that misdirection can lead to growth and learning. He reassures that God hears the cries of His people and that nothing can separate them from His love, encouraging them to strengthen themselves in the Lord amidst challenges.
Experiencing God: Don't Ring the Bell Part 2
By Shane Idleman1947:55PerseveranceFaith in TrialsPSA 34:18ROM 8:38HEB 11:6JAS 1:12Shane Idleman encourages believers to persevere through life's storms, emphasizing that hope and peace are found in Christ, who is our anchor and foundation. He reminds us that our relationship with God is not based on our actions but on His unwavering grip on us, urging us to focus on blessings rather than burdens. Idleman warns against the dangers of a critical spirit and the temptation to give up in the face of trials, reminding us that true faith is demonstrated through perseverance and desperation for God. He illustrates this through the story of a woman healed by touching Jesus' garment, highlighting the importance of determination and faith in seeking God. Ultimately, he calls for a public declaration of faith and a commitment to prayer as essential to spiritual vitality.
Can I Lose My Salvation?
By Shane Idleman950:50Faith and WorksSalvation SecurityJHN 10:28ROM 8:38PHP 1:6Shane Idleman addresses the contentious question of whether one can lose their salvation, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture in context and the need for unity among believers despite differing views. He highlights that while there are warnings in the Bible, true believers are secure in their salvation as it is ultimately God's work to hold them. Idleman encourages the congregation to examine their faith and the fruit of their lives, asserting that genuine faith will produce a desire to live for God. He concludes by reminding everyone that God is the one who holds us together, and that our relationship with Him should inspire heartfelt worship.
God Cares
By Anton Bosch1EXO 33:17PSA 142:4PRO 12:10ISA 43:1MAT 10:29JHN 15:13ACT 7:55ROM 8:38PHP 4:61PE 5:7Anton Bosch preaches about the feeling of being uncared for and unnoticed by people, but assures that God truly cares for each individual, knowing them by name and being concerned about every detail of their lives. He emphasizes that God not only knows about our problems but also feels our pain and has compassion on us, unlike people who may remain unaffected by our struggles. Bosch encourages casting all burdens upon God, who is waiting to help and share the load, offering comfort, mercy, and tenderness to those who are struggling.
The Nearness of God
By Octavius Winslow0God's PresencePrayer and CommunionPSA 46:1PSA 145:18ISA 55:6JER 23:23JHN 14:9ROM 8:38EPH 2:13HEB 4:16JAS 4:8Octavius Winslow emphasizes the nearness of God, highlighting that through Jesus Christ, God is intimately present in our lives. He reassures believers that the blood of Christ brings them close to God, eliminating the barriers of sin and guilt. Winslow encourages prayer as a means to experience God's immediate presence, reminding us that He is a very present help in times of trouble. He urges the faithful to live in constant communion with God, avoiding anything that creates distance between them and their Creator. Ultimately, he points to the hope of fully experiencing God's presence in eternity.
Paul's Sources of Consolation
By Thomas Reade0PSA 139:17ROM 8:381CO 15:582CO 1:32CO 4:172CO 5:202CO 12:9PHP 4:11PHP 4:18Thomas Reade preaches about the sources of consolation for Christians, focusing on the covenant titles of Jehovah, the immutability of God's counsel, the sufficiency of the Savior's grace, the efficacy of His power, and the assurance of future glory. He emphasizes the importance of meditating on the Divine Perfections displayed in our redemption by Jesus Christ and the work of grace in the heart through the Holy Spirit. Reade highlights the security, peace, and blessings that believers in Jesus experience, rooted in the everlasting Covenant and the unbreakable love of God. He encourages believers to find contentment, humility, and strength in Christ, to endure trials with joy, and to look forward to the eternal glory promised to those who love God.
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
By C.H. Spurgeon0Assurance in ChristFaithJOB 19:25ROM 8:38C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound comfort found in the personal relationship with a living Redeemer, as expressed in Job's declaration of faith. He highlights the necessity of claiming Christ as 'my Redeemer' to truly experience His redemptive power and joy. Spurgeon encourages believers to move beyond mere hope to a confident knowledge of Christ's presence and assurance in their lives, asserting that doubts can hinder peace and comfort. He reminds us that even a small amount of faith allows us to claim Christ as ours, and that certainty in our relationship with Him brings light even in the darkest times. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a deep, personal connection with the living Christ, which leads to unspeakable joy.
The Lord Redeems the Soul of His Servants
By Octavius Winslow0God's LoveRedemptionPSA 34:22MAT 7:7LUK 15:20ROM 8:38JAS 4:2Octavius Winslow emphasizes the unwavering love and redemption of God for His servants, contrasting the fleeting nature of earthly relationships and joys with the eternal and unchanging affection of the Father in heaven. He encourages believers to turn to God in times of adversity and loss, reminding them that God invites them back with compassion and forgiveness. Winslow reassures that God is always ready to fill the voids in our lives and that true happiness comes from embracing His love. He urges the faithful to ask boldly from God, as He desires to bless abundantly, and to find peace in resting in child-like faith upon Him.
Outlines of Theology: Pelagianism, Semi-Pelagianism & Augustinianism
By A.A. Hodge0JHN 6:44JHN 10:28ROM 5:12ROM 8:30ROM 8:38EPH 2:8PHP 3:121TI 2:4HEB 6:41JN 5:13A.A. Hodge presents a comparison of the three main theological systems: Pelagianism, Semipelagianism, and Augustinianism (Socinianism, Arminianism, and Calvinism). The early church focused on defending Christianity against heresies and defining the Trinity. The rise of contrasting views on sin, grace, and redemption led to the development of these systems. Augustinianism (Calvinism) emphasizes original sin, total depravity, irresistible grace, and unconditional election. Pelagianism (Socinianism) denies original sin, affirms free will, and believes in conditional election. Arminianism falls between these, advocating for free will, resistible grace, and conditional election.
Whom God Loves Once
By Thomas Brooks0God's LoveCovenant of GraceJER 31:3JHN 13:1ROM 8:38Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound nature of God's everlasting love, rooted in the covenant of grace. He asserts that God's love is unchangeable and freely given, highlighting that once God loves someone, that love endures forever. Brooks illustrates that God's commitment to His people is as eternal as His existence, reinforcing the assurance that those in covenant with Him are forever loved.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For I am persuaded - After the blessed experience we have had of support by the grace and Spirit of him that loved us, that neither fear of death, nor hope of life, nor evil angels, nor principalities, nor powers, persecuting us for Christ's sake; nor the things we endure at present, nor the things to come, whatever tribulation we may be called to suffer in future;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers--whether good or bad. But as the bad are not called "angels," or "principalities," or "powers," save with some addition to show that such are meant (Mat 25:41; Col 2:15; Eph 6:12; Pe2 2:4 --except perhaps Co1 6:3), probably the good are meant here, but merely as the same apostle supposes an angel from heaven to preach a false gospel. (So the best interpreters). nor things present, nor things to come--no condition of the present life and none of the unknown possibilities of the life to come.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I am persuaded,.... These words with the following, express the strong persuasion, and full assurance of faith the apostle had, that nothing whatever could separate him and the rest of God's people, from his love towards them in Christ Jesus. This persuasion not only regards himself, but others; and is not conjectural, but certain; and which did not arise from any special and extraordinary revelation, but is founded upon the nature of the love of God itself, the security of it in Christ, and of the persons of God's elect in him; upon eternal predestination, and the unalterable purposes of God; upon the promise and oath of God; upon adoption, and the gracious witnessings, assistances, and inhabitation of the Spirit; and is greatly increased by the consideration of the death, resurrection, and intercession of Christ. The things enumerated, which are not able to separate from the love of God, are as follow: death; death separates men from the world, their worldly habitations and substance; it separates the soul from the body, and one friend from another; and in process of time, may take off all thoughts and affections for departed friends, but it is not able to separate from the love of God; it is so far from it, that it lets the soul into the fullest enjoyment of it: and as corporeal death, so no other kind of death can do it; for if the death of the body cannot, the death of afflictions never can; and as for a moral or spiritual death, and an eternal one, these shall never befall the children of God: nor life; this natural and temporal life, which is frail and mortal; the love of God is better than this life, and this itself is the effect of divine favour; wherefore this can never separate from the love of God, nor anything in it: the life of believers is indeed filled up with troubles and exercises, and attended with much imperfection and sin; but nothing does, or can alienate the affections of God from his children; for though he exercises them with the trials of life, and chastises them for their sins, yet his loving kindness be does not take away from them: nor angels; by whom are meant evil angels, the devils; for as for good angels, they never attempt to separate God and his people; they rejoice at their good, minister to them, are their guardians whilst here, at death they carry their souls to heaven, and at the last day will gather all the elect together; but evil angels do endeavour it, by temptations to sin, and accusations for it; by stirring up heresies and persecutions, in order to destroy them, but cannot succeed; for the saints are upon God's heart, are in Christ's hands, and on him the rock; and the Spirit of God is in them, who is greater than he that is in the world: nor principalities: civil magistrates; who though they may separate them from their company, and cast them out as evil; may separate them in prisons one from another; and separate soul and body, by killing the latter, which is all they can do; yet they cannot separate neither soul nor body from the love of God: the Jews often say, that if all the nations of the world were gathered together, they could not extinguish (n) or cause to cease (o), or take away the love which is between God and his people Israel (p): nor powers; either the same with the former; or false teachers who had the power of working miracles in confirmation of their doctrines, by which they deceived many; and if it had been possible, would have deceived the elect of God, but that was impossible: nor things present; present evils, the afflictions of the present life; God does not cease to love when he afflicts his people; yea, afflictions spring from his love, and in them he afresh manifests his love to them; they are overruled for their good, and issue in eternal glory. Present temptations also may be meant. The best of saints have been exposed unto them; Christ himself was not exempted from them; these do not, nor cannot separate from the love of God; which is manifest from the regard which God and Christ have to tempted ones, by sympathizing with them, supporting and succouring of them, rebuking the tempter, and delivering from them. Present desertions, or the hidings of God's face, which often is the case of his dear children, can have no such effect; their relation to God still continues; they have great nearness unto him, are engraven on the palms of his hands, are set as a seal on his heart, and he bears a strong affection to them; though, for wise reasons, he is pleased for a moment to hide himself from them: yea, the present body of sin and death saints carry about with them in this life, cannot separate them; sin has separated the angels from God, who rebelled against him; it drove Adam out of the garden of Eden, and will exclude the wicked from the divine presence to all eternity; and it often separates between God and his own people, with respect to communion, but never with respect to union to him, or interest in him; for he knew what they would be when he set his love upon them; his love broke through all the corruptions of nature and sins of life in their conversion; and appears to continue the same from the strong expressions of his grace to them, notwithstanding all their backslidings; could sin separate in this sense, no one would remain the object of his love. Now this does not suppose that God loves sin, nor does it give any encouragement to it; for though it cannot separate from interest in God, yet it does from the enjoyment of him. Again, present good things may be designed, the good things of this life, temporal enjoyments; these are given in love; and though they may be but few, they are in mercy, and with a blessing; and the great mercy of all is, that these are not their all, nor do they take off their value and esteem for the love of God, which is better to them than all the things of life; and though "the prosperity of fools shall destroy them", Pro 1:32, the prosperity of the saints shall never be their ruin: nor things to come; whether good or bad, prosperous or adverse; more afflictions, fresh difficulties with the body of sin; an hour of temptation, and time of distress that is to come upon all the earth; or the evil days of old age; God will never leave, nor forsake his people, or cause his loving kindness to depart from them, in whatsoever state or condition they may come into: the Vulgate Latin version adds, "nor fortitude"; and the Ethiopic version, "nor powers"; and one copy adds it in the beginning of Rom 8:39, "nor power". (n) Targum in Cant. viii. 7. (o) Shemot Rabba, sect. 49. fol. 144. 1. (p) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 2. fol. 179. 4.