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Luke 2:10, 11 – Born To Die

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Will

And the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid!” Look, I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people. Because there was born to you today a Savior (who is Christ the Lord) in the city of David.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ came forth as a baby so that he would grow up and die on a cross so that we, being dead sinners, might have eternal life.

Behind the Words

“Afraid” is translated from phobeō, from which we get our English word phobia, meaning “fear.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also accompanied by the negative particle mē. Thus, the angel commanded the shepherds not to be afraid.

The words “I proclaim good news” are from the verb euangelidzomai, meaning “to announce good news.” This is the word from which we get our English verb “to evangelize.”

“Was born” is from a form of the Greek verb tiktō, meaning “to bring forth,” “to bear,” or “to give birth.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating a past completed single action. Thus, when the angel made this announcement to the shepherds, Jesus had already been born.

The word “Savior” is translated from sotēr. This is derived from the verb sodzō, which means “to save,” “to deliver,” or “to preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction.” This is a very good description of the purpose of the birth of Jesus, to preserve us safe from danger, loss, or destruction.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that the shepherds to whom this angel appeared were “afraid with mega-fear.” This is certainly understandable for some simple shepherds, alone in the middle of the night, suddenly visited by a person hovering in the air above them wrapped in brilliant, blazing light.

However, the first words out of this messenger’s mouth were, “Don’t be afraid!” This same exact expression is found at least eighteen times in the New Testament. In every case but one, it was spoken either by Jesus or by one of His angelic messengers. The next thing this angel said was, “I proclaim good news to you, a great joy, which will be to all people.” The reason that the angel told them not to be afraid is because their Savior had come.

Today, the word “gospel” is often used to mean “authentic.” However, in the New Testament it is always the translation of the word euangelion, or “good news.” We Christians usually think of the gospel message as the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which secured our salvation. However, this good news began with His incarnation, His birth as a human being. When we think of our salvation, we think of the cross. When we think of Christmas, we think of the manger. However, without the manger there would be no cross. The good news of salvation through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ began with the good news that God became a man and He did so as a helpless little baby who was laid in an animal’s feeding trough.

Application

As we hurry and scurry about during this Christmas season of celebration, let’s not forget that the little baby whose birth we celebrate is our God, who sacrificed Himself for us. This little baby was born to die so that we might live eternally with Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

Luke 2:9 – Full of Fear

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Will

And an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Truth to Learn

The shepherds were afraid when the angel appeared to them.

Behind the Words

The words “stood over” are translated from the Greek word ephistēmi, from epi meaning “on, above, over, or against” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” The most common translation of this word in the New Testament is “stand upon.” In this occurrence, however, most translators give it the meaning of “stand against” or “stand before.” However, given the content of this verse, I believe a more literal translation of “stand over” is reasonable. Hence, rather than standing before the shepherds, this angel was probably above them or over them. That is why the glory of the Lord shone around them – because the angel was in the air over them and his magnificent glory shone all around them.

“Glory” is translated from doxa, a form of dokeō. The root meaning of this word is “to think” or “to suppose.” Therefore, the root meaning of doxa is “thought” or “opinion.” There are a number of secondary uses of this word including, reputation, praise, honor, perfection, light, or splendor. In this verse it is used to indicate “bright visual splendor.”

“Shone around” is from the Greek verb perilampō, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and lampō, meaning “to give light” or “to shine.” Literally, this word means “to illuminate all around.” Thus, perilampō refers to a light which is shining all around.

The expression “they were greatly afraid” is from the words ephobēthēsan phobon megan. This literally means “they feared great fear.” In Greek, repetition of words indicates emphasis, so saying “they feared fear” would indicate that they were very afraid. In addition, the inclusion of the word megan (mega, meaning “great”) indicates that their fear was extremely great.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that shepherds (probably those responsible for the sheep to be used for the Temple sacrifices) were camping out among the sheep. They were “watching watches,” that is, they were taking turns during the night looking around in order to detect any possible dangers to the animals. Shepherds in those days were fully responsible for the protection of their flocks. In fact, they cared so greatly for the animals under their protection that they experienced mourning over the death of even a single lamb.

While these particular shepherds were protecting their flock in the middle of the dark night, a bright and glorious angelic being appeared to them. This angel seems to have suddenly appeared out of nowhere, suspended in mid-air with his glorious brightness lighting up everything around them.

The sudden appearance of this glorious angelic being caused these normally unflappably courageous shepherds to become extremely afraid. They were used to fighting off lions or bears, but they were not prepared for the presence of this angel.

It’s interesting that the announcement of the birth of the Messiah should start out with fear, because the whole purpose of His incarnation was to bring peace. Just as the fear that Adam and Eve experienced after sinning was taken away by the sacrifice of animals, so the fear of all sinners can be removed by faith in the blood of the Lamb of God.

Application

There are many who are afraid even in this season of celebration of the birth of our Savior. It may be fear caused by sickness, financial worries, or fear of physical harm. Look around! Perhaps there is someone around you who is fearful even in the midst of this season of celebration. Is it possible that you can be God’s angel of peace for them? What can you do to relieve their fear?

In God's service, for His glory,

Luke 2:8 – Celebrating Whom?

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Will

And shepherds were in the same region spending the night in the field and keeping the night watch over their flock.

Truth to Learn

Christmas was first announced to those who were banned from the accepted religious observances.

Behind the Words

“Shepherds” is translated from poimēn, which refers to “someone who watches over to protect and provide for a flock or herd of animals.”

The word “region” is from chōra which is based on choros, meaning “a place where cattle range and feed.” By extension, Chōra is used to refer to a region, a country, or a land.

“Spending the night in the field” is the translation of the Greek verb agrauleō, which is made up of agros, referring to “the country” as opposed to “the city” and aulidzomai, which means “to spend the night.” Thus, these shepherds were spending the night camped out in the country.

The words “keeping watch” are from the verb phulassō, meaning “to watch over” or “to guard.” The Greek text actually says phulassontes phulakas, meaning “watching watches.” These men were taking turns watching the sheep throughout the various "watches" of the night which were evening, middle of the night, cock crowing, and morning.

Meaning Explained

In Greek, word order is significant, implying importance or emphasis. In the Greek text, this verse starts out with “and shepherds …” because this is an account of what transpired with the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth.

Shepherds spent most of their time out in the fields with their flocks, especially in the spring and summer (these events probably occurred in the springtime). Because of this, they were not able to keep the religious ordinances and ceremonial responsibilities that were required by the religious leaders. As a result, these same religious leaders considered shepherds little better than the heathen Gentiles. They were even banned from entering the Temple. This is particularly ironic since these shepherds were most likely watching the very sheep which were to be used in the temple sacrifices.

Based on the Prophet Micah, the Jews believed that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem:

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being little among the clans of Judah, out of you He shall come forth to Me to become ruler in Israel; and His comings forth have been from of old, from the days of antiquity. (Micah 5:2)

Near Bethlehem, on the road to Jerusalem, there was a watchtower called Migdal Eder, meaning “watchtower of the flock.” This is where shepherds watched over the animals destined for sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a commonly held belief among the Jews that their Messiah would be revealed from Migdal Eder, because the prophet Micah also said:

And you, O tower of the flock [Migdol Eder], the hill of the daughter of Zion, it shall happen to you… (Micah 4:8 a).

These shepherds, responsible for guarding the sacrificial lambs and who were banned from the Temple, are likely the very ones to whom the Sacrificial Lamb of God was announced by God’s angelic messengers.

Application

Isn’t it amazing. Even though the Jews believed that their Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and that he would be revealed at Migdal Eder, they completely missed His birth? They were likely too busy living their lives and following their "religious" observances to be bothered with looking for their Messiah! How about you? Are you so busy “celebrating” His birth with presents that you completely miss the presence of the One for whom the celebration is intended? Are you busy decorating, shopping, wrapping, cooking, and otherwise preparing for Christmas Day, or are you reading, studying, praying, and humbling yourself before the God-child who was born on this day so that He could die to pay for your sins.

This year, instead of celebrating Christmas, let's celebrate the Christ Child!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:14 – Sin on the Throne?

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Will

but death reigned from Adam to Moses, even on those who had not sinned in to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who is coming.

Truth to Learn

Even those who lived before the Law were sinners and suffered death as a result.

Behind the Words

“Reigned” is from basileuō, which is the verb form of the noun basileus, meaning “a king.” Thus we see that basileuō literally means “to be king” or as we have it in this verse, “to reign.”

The word “likeness” is translated from homoiōma, which is derived from the verb homoioō, meaning “to make like.” Hence, homoiōma means “a resemblance” or “a likeness.” This word does not imply any relationship between the two things, only a similarity in appearance or function.

The word translated “transgression” is the Greek word parabasis, meaning “to go beyond, cross over, or overstep.” It is most often used to indicate an overstepping of a legal limit. Hence, it usually means “to violate a law or regulation.”

“Type” is translated from the Greek word tupos, which literally refers to “a die or a stamp that is used to make similar impressions or representations.” Figuratively, it refers to something that has the form or resemblance of something else.

Meaning Explained

Paul is now driving home the fact that we discussed in the previous verse. That is, that death was visited upon all men from Adam all the way up until the Law was delivered by Moses. Therefore, all the people who lived before the Law must have been sinners.

Just to help us all with a little bit of perspective: the time from Adam to Moses is around 2500 years. That’s longer than from the time of Christ until the present. The period of “the Law,” the time from the giving of the Law until the death of Christ, is about 1300 years. So the amount of time between Adam and Moses is roughly 40% of the entire history of mankind.

Paul here says that death reigned over mankind before the Law even though these people didn’t sin in the same manner as Adam. Sin is sin no matter how great or how small, and it doesn’t matter whether a person sinned once or many, many times. Everyone who descended from Adam, even before the Law was delivered, is a sinner and suffers death as a result of their sin.

The closing statement in this verse is a significant transitional statement. It says that Adam was a “type” of the one who is coming (referring to Christ). In other words, Jesus Christ is a type of Adam. Paul gives a description of what he means by this in 1Corinthians15:45-49 where he refers to Christ as the “last Adam.” But here, Paul will compare, or more correctly, contrast, the two men (Adam and Jesus) to show us how the conduct of both Adam and Jesus has a lasting effect on each one of us personally. But he will also show us the distinct difference in the results of their actions.

Application

While it’s true we can all blame Adam for our sinfulness, we can’t blame him for our sins. Because of our sins we face death. However, because of Jesus Christ, we can experience eternal life, even though we may experience physical death.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:13 – Sinless Without Law?

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Will

For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Truth to Learn

We don’t have to break the Law of Moses to be sinners.

Behind the Words

“World” is from the Greek word kosmos, which is probably derived from komeō, meaning “to take care of.” Kosmos specifically refers to “an orderly arrangement.” This word is used in the New Testament to refer to the world system, not the physical world.

The word “imputed” is similar to a word we saw in the previous chapter. It was the word logidzomai, meaning “to credit to someone’s account.” This word is ellogeō, which is sometimes used synonymously but it has a subtly different meaning. It means “to take into account” or “to take into consideration.”

Meaning Explained

Remember that this letter was originally written to Christians in Rome who were predominantly Jewish and who were still tied to keeping the Law, even after their conversion to Christianity. Throughout this letter Paul has been showing them (and us) that righteousness before God is not attained by keeping the Law but by the free, gracious gift of God, which comes only after we believe His promises.

In the previous verse Paul told us that sin (and death as a result) entered the world through Adam, and death passed on to all of us because all of us have sinned. Since the recipients of this letter were convinced that sin was a result of not keeping the Law, Paul now points out to them that sin existed in this world even before the Law was delivered to Moses. In other words, sin did not commence with the Law, sin commenced with Adam.

Now look at this carefully! Paul then says that sin is not imputed (taken into consideration) when there is no law. If we read this too quickly we might want to respond, “If sin is not imputed where there is no law then it wasn’t imputed to those who lived before the Law was delivered!” This is precisely the argument that Paul is refuting. You see, since death is the penalty of sin and death passed on all men after Adam, then all have sinned. Therefore there must have been a “law” (not “the Law”) that was transgressed even before the Law of Moses was delivered.

For those of you who think we Christians have to keep the Law (the Ten Commandments) in order to be “right” with God, you will find that Paul is arguing against you. Keeping the Law (or even keeping God’s higher moral law) is not what makes us acceptable (righteous) in God’s sight (for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God [Romans 3:23]). Only the righteousness that God gives to us when we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as payment for our sins can make us acceptable in His sight.

Application

We don’t have to keep the Law of Moses to be righteous, but we don’t have to break the Law of Moses to be sinners either. However, if you know that you are a sinner and believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty of your sin, then you are reckoned as righteous in God’s record book.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:12 – Ancestral Sin

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Will

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Truth to Learn

Our sinfulness is a result of our being a descendant of Adam.

Behind the Words

The words “just as” are translated from the Greek word hōsper, which is used to introduce the first member of a comparison. However, Paul never grammatically introduces the second member, although it is clear that he is comparing the sin-producing work of Adam with the atoning work of Christ.

“Entered” is from the Greek eiserchomai, which is composed of eis, meaning “into” or “unto” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” Hence, it means “to come into.” It is expressed in the aorist tense indicating an action that was completed at a point in time in the past.

The word “spread” is dierchomai, which is composed of a form of dia, meaning “through” or “throughout” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” This word is immediately followed by the preposition epi, meaning “upon.” So, we see that Paul is saying that death “came through upon” or “spread to” all of mankind.

Meaning Explained

This passage, beginning here and continuing through verse twenty-one, has been described as one of the most difficult parts of the New Testament. Unfortunately the brevity of these daily devotional studies will prevent us from going into the depth necessary to have a full understanding of this passage.

The first thing we see in this verse is that sin entered this world through one man, Adam. Adam was commanded not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam disobeyed, thus sinning against God. Up until that time sin had not existed in our physical world.

The second thing we see is that death entered into this world by this sin. Paul will tell us in the next chapter that the result of sin is death. Here he tells us that it was through Adam’s sin that death became a reality to us all. We see by implication that had Adam never sinned, he never would have died. In fact, God warned him about death being the consequence of disobedience when He first commanded Adam not to eat of that tree, “for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” [Genesis 2:17]

The third thing we see in this verse is that from Adam’s sin, death spread to all of us. There is no disputing that all men die. Paul is simply telling us here that this death that Adam suffered as a result of his sin is passed on to all of his descendants. The reason that we all die is because we all sinned.

In this passage Paul does not say whether he is referring to physical death or spiritual death, though his implication is physical death based on the next few verses.

Now, hang in there because there’s more to come in the following verses.

Application

We are sinners because we are descendants from Adam. We can blame Adam for our sinfulness, but we can’t blame Adam for our sins. That’s why we need a Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:11 – Bragging Rights

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Will

And not only that, but we also are rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Truth to Learn

We have the right to rejoice and brag about God our Father.

Behind the Words

The word translated “rejoicing” is the Greek word kauchaomai. This word is derived from auchen, meaning “the neck,” which vain people are apt to carry in a proud manner. Hence, the meaning has come to be recognized as “prideful or boastful either in a good or a bad sense.” As a result, some interpret this word as meaning to rejoice in a celebratory manner.

The word translated “we have now received” is lambanō, meaning “to take, to accept, or to receive.” It is expressed in the aorist indicative tense indicating something that was completed at a point in time in the past.

“Reconciliation” is from the Greek word katallagē, which is based on the verb katallassō, meaning “to exchange or to restore to a former state.” Hence, katallagē refers to “a restoration or a reconciliation.”

Meaning Explained

Not only have we been justified by the death of Jesus and we will be saved from the wrath of God by the life of Jesus, but we now are rejoicing in God because of it, according to Paul.

My friends, Christians should be the most joy-filled and rejoicing people on the face of the earth! Why? Because we have been justified (declared righteous) by God and have been promised that we will not suffer His wrath in the future. This justification allows us to fellowship with Almighty God right now, and the promise allows us to patiently endure the trials of this life knowing that we will not see His wrath.

But, I believe the root meaning of the word kauchaomai (to boast or to brag) is what Paul is trying to show us. There isn’t a child alive who, because he or she loves his or her father, won’t brag about him to his or her friends. It’s a natural thing to do. Christians, because we no longer have to fear the wrath of God (our Father), will naturally boast or brag about the greatness, the power, the infinite wisdom, the grace, the love … (I could go on for quite a while) of our Father. And we do so through the person of Jesus Christ who is the visible manifestation of the Father, for Jesus said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

Finally, Paul says that it is through Jesus Christ that we have received the reconciliation. Don’t miss this, now! The Greek verb lambanō, translated “received,” is in the aorist tense. In Greek that means action that was completed at a point in time in the past. Paul says that now, at the present time, we have already received the reconciliation (completed at a point in time in the past). That’s why we can boast about Him, because we are now, and always will be, reconciled with, and at peace with, our Heavenly Father. And since we are reconciled with Him and will never have to know His wrath, we brag about Him as the greatest there ever was or ever could be!

Application

The next time you sing a song of praise to God, remember that we have eternal bragging rights. We can brag about our Father and rejoice because we have been completely reconciled to Him, forever and ever!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:10 – Living Salvation

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Will

For if while being enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Truth to Learn

Our debt was paid by Jesus’ death, but it is his resurrection to life that secures our salvation.

Behind the Words

“Enemies” is from echthros, which means “hatred, enmity, hostility, or antagonism.” In Greek, this word is expressed in the nominative, plural. Therefore, a literal translation is “hated ones” or “enemies.”

The word translated “reconciled” is the Greek word katallassō, which is made up of kata, used as an intensifier and allasso, meaning “to change the form or nature of something.” In the New Testament this word is used to indicate the change that God makes in man through conversion so that he may be reconciled to our holy God.

The words “much more” are pollō mallon in the Greek. Mallon is a comparative indicating “more in quality or quantity” and pollō means “much in quantity or amount.” The word pollō has its own comparative form, indicating more of one thing than another. The fact that both words are used together indicates an emphasis in the comparison, that is, “a whole lot more!”

Meaning Explained

This verse represents one of the pinnacles of great theological truth found in the book of Romans. In the previous verse we learned that we were justified by the shedding of His (God the Son’s) blood and, as a result, we will be saved from His (God, the Father’s) wrath at the judgment. Now we see that it was through the death of Jesus Christ that this reconciliation took place. And now that we have been reconciled, of even greater importance is the fact that we shall be saved (from the wrath to come) by His life.

There is a subtle statement here that we don’t want to read past without recognizing. Yes, we will be saved from the wrath of God (from the Great White Throne Judgment and the lake of fire) which we discussed in the previous verse, and this is a particular point that Paul wants us to understand. The previous verse said that we will be saved from the wrath through Him. However, this verse amplifies that statement by saying that we will be saved through “His life.” Do you see that? It is the blood that satisfies God’s justice but it is Jesus’ resurrected life, the fact that he lives to intercede for us, that guarantees we will be saved and live eternally. That is the essence of the gospel which we must believe to be saved; Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and He was raised from the dead (given life) that we might be saved from the Wrath of God. His eternal life is the guarantee that we, too, will be given eternal life. We must believe both in the death and the resurrection, for according to Paul, it is this resurrection and the life that He now possesses by which we will be saved.

Jesus gave His life to pay the penalty of our sins, and God the Father gave that life back to Him so that we might be saved from the wrath of our sins, if we believe in it.

Application

Do you believe it? If so, you will be saved from the wrath that you deserve. However, if you don’t believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you will suffer the wrath that God says we so justly deserve.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:9 – Saved from Wrath

Posted on December 8, 2017 by Will

Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, through Him we shall be saved from the wrath.

Truth to Learn

Christians will not experience the effect of God’s wrath.

Behind the Words

The words “we shall be saved” are translated from the Greek verb sōdzō, meaning “to save, deliver, make whole, or preserve safe from danger.” It is written here in the future tense and passive voice, indicating something that will be done to us some time in the future.

“Wrath” is from the Greek word orgē, which refers to “wrath or anger as a state of mind.” Aristotle said that orgē, is strong desire with grief. Another word sometimes translated as “wrath” is thumos, which refers to “indignation, the outburst of angry actions stemming from wrath.” Thus we see that orgē refers to the angry feeling, not the action that stems from it.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul showed us the greatness of God’s love for us. Though we are sinners and not good or righteous people, Christ died for us. Paul continues with, “Much more then …” In other words, the statement to follow is of even greater significance.

He then says, “having now been justified by His blood.” At first appearance this may seem contradictory to what Paul has just taught us in the previous chapter, that we are justified by grace, through faith. Actually, these are fully in agreement with each other because the shedding of blood is what fulfills God’s law of justice making it possible for Him to mark us as righteous in His record book. As it says in Hebrews 9:22, “without shedding of blood there is no remission (of sins)”

Even though God is all powerful, He can only do what is consistent with His own righteousness and law of justice. That law requires that sin must be paid for with the shedding of blood. Therefore, it is the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross, the giving of His perfect life as substitutionary payment for our sins, that permits God to declare us righteous.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. The “Much more then” comment doesn’t refer to the shedding of Christ’s blood but to the fact that, “through Him we shall be saved from wrath.” Remember, while we are still sinners Christ died for us. But much greater than the fact that He died for us while we are still sinners is the fact that because of His blood we will be saved!

Once again this appears a little confusing since we refer to ourselves as having already been saved. You see, there are two aspects of our salvation. As a past and completed action we have already been marked in God’s book as righteous, and legally we have already been saved from the penalty of our sins. And, as a result, in the future we will be saved from the wrath of the Almighty Judge who will judge all men. That is to say, we will appear at the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ where we will be rewarded for the things we have done for Him, not at the Great White Throne Judgment where unsaved sinners will suffer the result of the wrath of God in the lake of fire.

Application

For a Christian, being saved doesn’t mean being saved from sin, it means being saved from the consequence of sin. It means that we will not experience God’s indignation. What a blessed truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 5:8 – Death for Sinners

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Will

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Truth to Learn

Christ died for sinners. That means you and me!

Behind the Words

The word translated, “demonstrates” is from the Greek word sunistēmi, which is a compound word made up of sun, meaning “together” or “with” and histēmi, meaning “to set or place something.” Therefore, in its root meaning, sunistēmi means “to place things together.” But figuratively it means “to set something before someone.” That is to say, “to declare, show, or to make known and conspicuous.” Hence, we see the translation here being “demonstrates.”

There are two different words translated “love” in the New Testament. The first is phileō and the other is agapaō. The verb phileō is based on the word philos, meaning “a friend or someone you are endeared to.” Therefore, phileō refers to a feeling of endearment as you would feel toward a special friend. Agapaō, the word used in the current verse, refers to an act of the will in which one places the welfare of another of greater importance than one’s one welfare. It is a self-sacrificing love like God showed to us.

The words “we were still sinners” are translated from the Greek expression eti hamartōlōn ontōn hēmōn, which literally translates to, “we still being sinners.” The verb tense indicates that it is present continuous action. It is not something that ceased happening in the past.

Meaning Explained

In the last verse Paul said that it is unlikely that anyone would be willing to die for a person who is outwardly religious. But, he said that it is possible that someone would be willing to die for someone else who in not only outwardly religious but kind, benevolent, and generous. However, he implied that it is highly unlikely that anyone would be willing to die for unrighteous and undeserving sinners like you and me. Now he tells us how God’s love operates.

God, with His agape love, is willing to sacrifice for us. No one else would be willing to die for sinners like you and me. But God demonstrates how marvelous his self-sacrificing love for us is; even though we are still sinners, Christ died for us! He didn’t wait for us to become righteous by ourselves because we are without the ability to do so! And though we may have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, we are still sinners. However because of our faith, as we saw in the previous chapter, God has declared us righteous. We didn’t actually stop being sinners when we got saved, but God stopped seeing us as sinners. He now sees us having the righteousness of Jesus Christ because the death of His Son paid the penalty for our sins, and He credited righteousness to us in His record book.

The Apostle John puts the capstone on this and offers up a challenge to us:

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11)

Application

Thank you God, for loving a sinner like me and for giving the precious life of your only begotten Son to pay for my sinfulness! Because I am so undeserving, I am eternally grateful!

In God's service, for His glory,