He Loved and Died for Us
What a breathtaking, soul-satisfying truth! While we were still helpless, ungodly, and hostile toward God, enemies in our minds because of our evil works, at just the right time, Christ died for us. Scarcely will anyone die for a righteous man, though perhaps for a good man someone might even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8).
This is not a small thing. This is the most astonishing news the world has ever heard. The holy, sinless, eternal Son of God did not come for the strong, the righteous, or the deserving. He came for sinners. He laid down His life for rebels. He bore the wrath we deserved so that we, who had nothing good in us, might be forgiven, cleansed, and brought near to God.
In this is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). John the Baptist saw Him and cried out with joy, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). This is Jesus — the One who rescues us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Dear friends, this is the glorious good news of the Christian faith! We who once were not a people are now the people of God. We who had not obtained mercy have now obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:10). Because His mercy endures forever, we can join King David and sing: “Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for life” (Psalm 30:4-5).
Oh, what manner of love is this! The perfect, spotless Son of God became a man, took our guilt upon Himself, suffered the chastisement that brought us peace, and rose victorious on the third day, defeating sin, death, and hell forever. While we were still His enemies, He loved us with a love stronger than death. This truth should leave us undone, amazed, grateful, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable.
This is amazing grace. This is infinite mercy. Because Jesus died for sinners, our sins are paid for in full. We have peace with God and we are accepted in the Beloved. Our hearts are captured by this Savior, and we gladly live for Him, to obey Him, and even suffer for Him if called to.
Charles Spurgeon captured it well when he said: “The heart of the gospel is that Jesus Christ died for sinners, according to the Scriptures. If He had not died for sinners, there would be no gospel at all.”
This is why we love Him. This is why we proclaim Him. This is why we sing with all our hearts:
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations… Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! … Say among the nations: The Lord reigns!” (Psalm 96:1-3, 9-10).
“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10).
Glory evermore to the perfect Redeemer! The only wise, gracious, and mighty Savior, He who dwells in unapproachable light, the eternal King, the beloved Son of God: Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
To Him be all the glory, forever and ever. Amen!
