May 12, 2019
Originally presented: March 4, 2007
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:6-8
Romans 5:5 is the first mention of God's love in the book of Romans and now Paul elaborates on that thought. He notes how God has demonstrated His love for us and to whom it has been demonstrated.
The people to whom God has demonstrated His love are described here as 'helpless' and 'ungodly'. The word 'helpless' points to the idea of unregenerate people being spiritually dead in their sins (Eph 2:1,2), unable to understand spiritual things (1 Cor 2:14), and unable to obey God (Rom 8:6-8). The word 'ungodly' points to the idea of the unregenerate heart being governed by a profound bent toward sin (Psa 51:5; 1 Jn 3:19).
To consider that, before conversion, we were spiritually helpless highlights the depth of need for God to display His love for us. To consider that we were, by nature, ungodly highlights the depth of wonder in God displaying His love for us.
The display of this wondrous love is seen in the death of Christ and the ongoing effects of His death in our salvation. Notice the verb tenses in Romans 6:8. "God demonstrates (present tense) His own love . . . in that . . . Christ died (past tense) for us." What was wrought by God's love 2,000 years ago is still being displayed in and experienced in the hearts of God's people every day. Romans 5:5 … "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
This love is not simply for us to consider intellectually. It is for us to taste and be ravished by every day of our lives. It is our comfort and strength and hope.