1249. But God

But God

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom_5:8).

The scene before us seems too wonderful to record, and yet the 5th chapter of Romans presents it. Man is pictured as a sinner, as ungodly, as an enemy and without strength, and then comes the announcement, "But God commendeth His love toward us."

A similar picture is given in Ephesians 2. Man is described as dead in trespasses and sins; as walking according to the course of this age; as fulfilling the lusts of his own flesh and mind; he is described as a child of wrath–and then we read, "But God." The God Who is rich in mercy, in love, and in grace, passes by and the sinner is quickened, is raised, and is made to sit with Christ in the Heavenlies.

Three things may be said of the God who steps upon the scene and lifts the poor sinner out of his sin.

1. God's glorious character. The God Who seeks to save the sinner, the ungodly, the enemy, is a God Who is holy and just and true. He is a God of light, of life and of love.

Somehow or other it is just like this God to stoop down and to lift up the one whose feet are in the miry clay. God does not wrap the garments of His holiness around Himself and keep aloof from the lost. It was written of the holy Christ, "This Man receiveth sinners and eateth with them."

2. God's great love. Not only does God pass by the sinner to help him and to lift him, but He also loves him. He commended His love toward us while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

David has given us an example of this Divine love. David said: "Is there any left of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him?" David sought to aid the grandson of his enemy. So does God show love and kindness for His enemies.

3. God's gracious gift. God loved and gave. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." What gift could God offer unto sinners so precious as the gift of His Son? Through Him God hath given us life. Yet, this is what God did.

"What, lay my sins on Jesus,

God's well beloved Son!

Yes, 'tis a truth most precious,

That God e'en this, hath done."

As Abraham offered up Isaac, the son of his love, so did God offer up Jesus Christ the Son of His love.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR