#17. The LOVE OF GOD TO US

Arthur Pink et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

"Christ loved us, and gave Himself up for us!" Ephesians 5:2

The love of God to sinners is an ocean without shore, a mystery that stretches beyond the grasp of the highest angel. That the infinitely holy God--before whom seraphim cover their faces--should set His heart upon those who were defiled, defiant, and dead in sin--is the most humbling truth in all of Scripture. His love was not merited by anything in us, for we were altogether sinful and unlovely. Yet He loved us!

And His love was not a mere sentiment--it took action. He gave His Son--His only, His beloved--to bear the curse we deserved. The Father did not spare Him, but handed Him over to be mocked, scourged, and nailed to a cross! There, the spotless Lamb of God endured the sin-atoning wrath due to the very ones who hated Him. What tongue can express such love? What mind can fathom its depth?

This love is not a relic of the past--it is alive and active this very moment. He loves us still. In discipline and direction, in provision and pain--His love sustains and sanctifies us. It is unchanging, invincible, and ever near. No failure of ours exhausts it; no affliction removes it. His love is as eternal as He is.

This love is the well-spring of every spiritual blessing. Let this melt the pride of our hearts, still our restless fears, and ignite a life of glad obedience. Nothing strengthens faith, calms the soul, or drives us to holiness--like the felt reality of Christ's astonishing love in dying for such vile, undeserving sinners like us!

"He was pierced for our transgressions,
 He was crushed for our iniquities;
 the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
 and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

O believer, marvel and rejoice--you are loved with a love that never began, will never fade, and can never be broken1