“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).

Paul’s words in Romans 5:8 give us a one sentence summary of the good news of Christianity.  God loves sinners.  Such love finds its greatest expression in the cross of Christ.  On the cross, Jesus died ‘for’ sinners.  That is, he died as our substitute – he took the judgment, curse, and death we deserve.  Moreover, Christ did not die as our substitute because we were lovely; rather it was while we were still sinners that Christ laid down his life for us.  Christ died for his enemies – he died for those in active rebellion against him.  What amazing love!  What a thought!  Jesus suffered the judgment for those who hated him!  We so easily speak of God’s love for us – but let us never forget the wonder of this simple summary … ‘while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’