We’re going through the book of Romans together. Here in chapter 5, Paul is still getting us acquainted with his teaching on the Christian walk.
We’ve seen the progression of how God wants to bring us into the manifestation of His love. The Lord wants this love to empower us in our work for Him.
Now Paul is getting to the heart of the matter.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8
This Scripture is clear. God did His greatest work while we were still without strength.
But that brings us to an important point. God brought this about at just the right time. That literally means Christ died at the appointed time.
This is something that we frequently get hung up on. I have a problem differentiating between God’s appointed time vs. when I think God should have answered. I assume God is late or ignoring my problem. Of course, that’s foolish thinking.
For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
I’ve learned that God is always on time. In my limited understanding, I think that there’s no way out. God, however, shows up at the right time and the right place to show Himself strong in my life.
The fact is that Jesus Christ gave His life for us. He’s not going to ignore us now. He wants the best for us.
According to the first passage above, He died for the irreverent. That means those with no spiritual aptitude.
It’s hard enough, difficult enough, to die for someone we consider good. I’m glad to say that this isn’t how God demonstrates His love.
That word, demonstrates, is a Greek word that means to introduce. This is how God introduces His love. While we were still actively missing the mark, Christ died for us.
In writing this letter to the Romans, Paul was addressing a people to whom this was very true. When Christ died, the people of Rome were totally clueless to what was happening in Jerusalem.
Their salvation was being purchased at a great cost. Yet, it would be years before they would hear the Good News. It’s good to know that I didn’t need to see this work being done in order to receive the benefits of it.
As a Pharisee living in Jerusalem, Paul may have met Jesus or heard Him speak. Paul might have even been one of those at the foot of the cross, ridiculing the Lord. But at Paul’s worse, Jesus was dying for this Pharisee’s salvation.
How could we ever think that God would abandon us now? Put your trust and hope in the love of God. Never let the cares and problems of life overwhelm your knowledge of His great love, concern, and care for you.
Question: How have you experienced God’s loving concern for you?
© 2021 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 