Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? &c.— To answer the argument hence urged, to shew that man cannot fall from grace, because if once they truly loved God, they cannot cease to do so in principle, let it be noted: First, That this inquiry is not, who shall separate us from the love with which we love God; but, who shall separate us who truly love God, and testify that love by our obedience to his commands, John 15:10 and by our patient sufferings for his sake, Romans 8:36-37 from his affections towards us.
The Apostle therefore only intimates, that such persons continuing in the love of God, shall be preserved by him from, or be enabled to overcome, the temptations here mentioned; and be so supported by his grace and Holy Spirit as to be able to triumph ever them. But he does not say, that the love of no believer shall wax cold, Matthew 24:12. Were there no fear of this, why does Christ exhort his disciples to continue in his love, John 15:9.? and his Apostles exhort others to keep themselves in the love of God, Jude 1:21 to continue in the grace of God, Acts 13:43 to look diligently to it, that they fail not of, or that they fall not from (for so it may be rendered) the grace of God, Hebrews 12:15. Note. Secondly, That the Apostle does not say, that nothing shall separate true believers from the love of God or Christ; but only says πεπεισμαι, I am persuaded that nothing will do it; nor have I any cause to fear, that any of these temporal sufferings, or enjoyments, will shake their steadfastness, in expectation of those eternal and inestimable blessings, which God has promised, and Christ has purchased for his church; these light afflictions being not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed, Romans 8:18 and all co-operating for the good of them that love God, Romans 8:28.—that as to the weakness of the flesh which rendered these temptations so dreadful, and gave strength to them, they lived in hopes of a glorious redemption of the body from them, Romans 8:23.; and while they groan under them, they have the assistance of the Spirit of God, to strengthen them, and to help them to bear their infirmities; a powerful and loving Father to be with them, a Saviour exalted to the right hand of God to intercede for them, Romans 8:33-34. Upon all which accounts he might well say, I am persuaded that none of these things shall separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. The Apostle does not by these words intend to teach believers, that they could not be shaken by these things; for this would have contradicted the drift of his Epistles, in which he offers so many arguments and motives to prevent the effect of those temptations, and does so often express his fears, lest they should be shaken with them; and be so far tempted by them, as to be moved away from the hope of the Gospel, Colossians 1:23 and render his labour vain, 1 Thessalonians 3:5. He only intends to say, that upon these considerations, they had such great inducements to persevere, and continue in the love of God, as made him strongly persuaded that they would do so.