The Inseparable Love of God (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

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In this Sunday’s epistle reading, St. Paul brings home the practical implications of his teaching that Christ brings new life to those who believe in Him, and has justified us through the cross (Romans 8:-1-34). He reminds Christians that even if we experience tribulations in this life, we should nevertheless rejoice because being in Christ means that we will ultimately conquer everything that is set against us. Just as Christ conquered death, so too will we conquer death on the last day. We can be confident if we are in Him, we are on the winning side. Furthermore, no force in this world or in the spiritual realm can separate us from the love of God. No matter what challenges and dangers we face, we can rest secure that He will see us safely through every one of them.

This passage should not, however, be construed as meaning that Christians cannot lose their salvation. This is the error known as “once saved, always saved,” which is held by some Protestant sects. While no external force—earthly or heavenly—can separate us from God, we can still choose to walk away from salvation by turning our backs on Christ and His teaching. We see this in various passages of Scripture, such as when Christ warns His disciples that those who do not remain with Him would be cut off (John 15:1-6), or when Hebrews warns us that if we continue sinning after we come to faith, then Christ’s sacrifice would no longer avail for our sins (Hebrews 10:26-31).

In conclusion, we should be confident but not complacent. We should rejoice that Christ has saved us and is protecting us from the evils that surround us, but we should also guard our hearts against anything that may seduce us form him. Let us remain anchored to His love which overcomes all things.

J. Luis Dizon