Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Bryan Schneider · February 22, 2021

Romans 8:31-39

sharonrpc.org/sermons/the-amazing-love-of-god

Summary

Romans 1-8 exposes the guilt of Gentile and Jew alike and announces free justification through the redemption and propitiation accomplished by Christ.
If God gave his own Son for his people, no opponent or circumstance can overturn his saving purpose or withhold their final good.
No charge can stand against God's elect because God justifies them through Christ's perfect obedience and satisfaction, received by faith.
No condemnation remains because Christ died, rose, ascended, sits at the Father's right hand, and intercedes for his people.
Tribulation, persecution, deprivation, danger, death, spiritual powers, time, space, and every created thing are unable to separate believers from God's love in Christ.
The funeral setting presses hearers to receive Christ personally and persevere in faith, while comforting them that death begins—not ends—the believer's life in God's presence.

When conscience accuses me, do I answer with my performance or with God's justifying verdict in Christ?
How do Christ's death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession each answer the fear of condemnation?
Which suffering or loss most tempts me to believe that God has abandoned me?
Have I personally received Christ by faith, or am I relying on the faith and reputation of my family?
Is Jesus the center of my life and hope, or merely protection from judgment?
How does the promise of inseparable love change the way I face death and grief?

Justification: God's free act of pardoning sinners and accepting them as righteous solely for Christ's righteousness received by faith.
Propitiation: Christ's blood satisfying divine justice and turning away the wrath deserved by sin.
Intercession: The risen and ascended Christ's continuing advocacy for his people at the Father's right hand.
Perseverance: God's preservation of true believers in faith so that they continue to salvation despite suffering and weakness.
Inseparable love: God's covenant love in Christ that no creature, circumstance, spiritual power, or death can sever.