Romans 5:7-8 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.… Several considerations tend to enhance the greatness of the love of God towards us — I. THE DIGNITY OF THE SAVIOUR. He was no other than the eternal Son of God, coequal with the Father, infinitely endeared to Him by an ineffable union, and a full participation in all the attributes of the Divine nature. Hence when the death of Christ is mentioned great stress is laid on the dignity of His character, as that which gives worth and efficacy to His sufferings (Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 John 1:7). II. THE DIVINE AGENCY EMPLOYED IN CHRIST'S DEATH. God did not spare His own Son, but freely delivered Him up as a victim in our stead, and called upon justice to make Him a sacrifice for us. Nor was the Divine agency employed merely in this part of our Saviour's sufferings; it was also engaged in their actual infliction. Men crucified His body, but it was the Lord who "made His soul an offering for sin"; or it pleased "the Lord to bruise Him, and put Him to grief"; and herein is expressed the most astonishing wrath, and the most astonishing love. III. THE CHARACTER OF THOSE FOR WHOM CHRIST DIED. While as yet no change was wrought in us, no good performed by us; while inveterate enemies to God, then it was that Christ died for us. It was also "while we were yet without strength," either to do the will of God, or to deliver ourselves out of the hands of infinite justice. The patriot dies for his country; but Christ died for His enemies. IV. THE VOLUNTARY NATURE OF CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS. His death was foreordained, and He had received a commandment of the Father that He should lay down His life for the sheep; yet He had power to lay down His life, and power to take it up again, and no one could take it from Him. V. IF WE COMPARE THIS MANIFESTATION WITH EVERY OTHER WE SHALL HERE FIND ITS HIGHEST COMMENDATION. The blessings of Providence are incessant and innumerable; but of all His gifts, none is to be compared with the gift of Christ. This is the unspeakable gift. VI. THE CONSTANT EFFICACY OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST AFFORDS ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE OF THE MAGNITUDE OF THE GIFT AND OF THE LOVE OF GOD IN ITS BESTOWMENT. His righteousness forever avails for our justification; His sacrifice retains its cleansing virtue for our sanctification; and in the discharge of all His mediatorial offices He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hence He is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him, and to do for us exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think. The gift of Christ includes every other gift; for He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things. Improvement: 1. This subject affords encouragement to serious inquirers. The gospel is the religion of sinners, the only one that can afford relief to the troubled conscience. 2. The gospel, notwithstanding, affords no ground of hope or encouragement to those who continue to live in sin. Though Christ died for sinners, it was that they might repent, believe, and be saved. 3. To all true believers, the gospel becomes a source of abundant joy. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. |
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