Romans 5:6-8 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Paul began this chapter with the observation that “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).” There are two very powerful truths here. First of all, we have peace with God. This is a current state of being for us, and not just something to be hoped for in some unseen future. Second, this peace comes to us by the channel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have not earned peace with God nor do we deserve peace with God. It is ours only through Jesus Christ. He did not give it to us because of anything we have done. The price for this peace was paid while we were without strength.
Again, there are no half-measures here. The scripture does not say we had a little strength. We are not told anywhere that Jesus was merely a supplement to our strength. Christ came and did the Father’s will while we had no strength to offer on our own behalf.
At the precise time approved by God, Christ died for the ungodly. We are not told that He died for those who were striving to do good. We are not told that He gave His life as a final push to get us over the finish line. We were not even capable of running, much less winning. We were completely helpless, and Christ died for us.
It is unusual for someone to willingly die in the place of another, even if the other is a good person. However, we do find instances in life where one person has given up their life to save someone they consider worthy. It is almost unheard of for anyone to offer to die for someone who is guilty of wrongdoing. We have seen throughout history that groups of people have lobbied the judicial system to spare the life of a condemned individual. Yet, we do not see anyone stepping out of the crowd to say, “Take my life instead.”
What amazing grace we see in the hand of our Lord and Savior. We were in a totally ungodly state. Further, we were unable to do anything to get ourselves out of that condition. There was no goodness or righteousness we could claim, and then Jesus stepped forward and clothed us in His.
We were still in our sins when God showed His great love for us. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It was not about our goodness or our strength. It was not because of Abraham, since his faith was imputed unto Him by the same God who commended His love to us.
Our current state of grace comes from God through Jesus Christ. Our love for Him exists because He loved us first. We have peace with our Creator only through His only begotten Son. We have knowledge and understanding of this because it has pleased God to reveal His Son in us through the Holy Spirit.
May we give Him all honor and glory as our Creator, Redeemer, and loving Father!