Christ Died for the Ungodly
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
1 Timothy 1:15.
The reason why hope makes not ashamed is that the love
of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Note that it does
not say love for God, but the love of God. What is the love of God?
"This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments." 1 John
5:3. The Holy Spirit, then, puts into our hearts obedience to the law of
God; and it is that which gives us boldness in the day of judgment, and at
all other times. It is sin that makes men afraid. When sin is taken away,
then fear is gone. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the
righteous are bold as a lion." Proverbs 28:1.
"This man receiveth sinners." Luke 15:2.
Strange that people will allow a sense of their sinfulness to keep them
away from the Lord, when Christ came for the one purpose of receiving and
saving them. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God
by him (Hebrews 6:25); and he says that those who come to him he will in
no wise cast out (John 6:37).
It was when we were yet without strength, that Christ
died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6), because he died for the purpose that we
might be strengthened with might by the Spirit. If he waited for us to
gain some strength before giving Himself for us, then we should be lost.
When were we without strength? Just now; and even now Jesus Christ is set
forth evidently crucified among us. Galatians 3:1. "Surely, shall one
say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength." Isaiah 45:24.
Waggoner on Romans, pgs. 95, 96 |
