“…Christ died for the ungodly…” Romans 5:6c
/The five understandable words for today are just one set in a package of five which communicate this basic tenet of Christian faith. Verses six through eight are packed with rich theology – presented in five-word phrases:
“…at just the right time…” (v.6a) – God’s timing is always perfect, and Jesus’ earthly appearance was no different. From ages past, God had set a plan to redeem man to Himself (read Galations 4:4; Philippians 2:5-11).
“…when we were still powerless…” (v.6b) – It is not by works one secures right-standing with God (read Ephesians 2:8-9), and no one is able to decide how one is qualified for heaven’s eternal joy except God. We simply cannot save ourselves, no matter how good we may be (read Isaiah 64:6; Galatians 5:19-21).
“…God demonstrates His own love…” (v.8a) – The one word describing God’s essence is love (read 1 John 4:7-8), it is God’s love which leads to His trait of goodness. God is good all the time, and that goodness looks for ways to demonstrate His love by blessing others with the gifts of His mercies and grace. His mercies are new every morning (read Lamentations 3:22-23), and His grace is sufficient for anything one may face at any moment (read 2 Corinthians 12:9). In fact, God’s power is demonstrated most powerfully through us in our weakness – when we are powerless!
“…while we were still sinners…” (v.8b; review 3:23) – Sin in every person is the ball and chain which makes one powerless to qualify for Heaven… to stand before God fully reconciled to Him. Sin is what weighs us down to earth’s perspective, leaving one unable to see through the eyes of faith (read Genesis 4:4-7). This phrase also lends one to understand how the dynamic or pattern of sin is disrupted once one comes to a saving knowledge of faith in Christ. Christians are simply to turn from sin through the power God provides as we walk in The Way of Righteousness.
Within the treasure trove of five understandable words, Paul described how God’s love stands in contrast to man’s love: “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.” (v.8) People are reticent to die – even for good causes. Jesus, however, took heaven’s assignment of redemption for mankind, dying on a cross for those totally unworthy. The descriptions of man’s unworthiness were found in the phrases we just reviewed: “without strength,” “ungodly,” and “sinners.” Christ died for the ungodly. Theologian Stewart Briscoe described man’s fallen condition this way:
“We lack the power to live as we ought even though we may have the power to live as we wish because our standards are so low. We lack the attitude of reverence and holy awe which a correct understanding of God’s person requires and demands, and we lack the capability to hit the mark or achieve the divine expecttions. This pitiful description would hardly move mankind to love such failures, but God’s love is demonstrated in the supreme sacrifice of the Son for such people.” (The Communicator’s Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 116, pp. 1, lines 5-12).
Each one who comes to faith in Christ arrives at that point only after agreeing with God about his/her condition: powerless, ungodly, sinner, and even an enemy of God (v.10 – which we will discuss in greater detail on Monday, Lord willing). Once one recognizes his/her total inability to achieve any right standing before God on personal merit or works, one is able to repent of one’s sinful nature (to turn away from the pattern of sinful practice; read Proverbs 28:13), confess one’s sin(s) and begin the lifelong journey of transformation. If you have not turned from your pattern of sin, perhaps King David’s prayer of repentance may help you have a serious discussion with God about it:
“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to Your Word. I gave an account of my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of Your precepts, that I may meditate on Your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me Your law.” (Psalm 119:25-29, NIV)
Once you have repented, ask Jesus to come and give the new life He offers… the same life He spoke of to the woman at the well (read John 4:10-14). Then, ask Christ to live through your life, that it may be a pleasing offering to God (read Psalm 19:13-17; 1 John 1:7-9). Then… tell someone! Tell your family… your spouse… your friends (especially those who are Christians, as they will rejoice with you)… and those who need to hear of your new life in Christ. For heaven’s sake, even tell a stranger!
I hope you have a blessed weekend…