Romans 5:8, “ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were
Yet sinners, Christ died for us .”
I’ve
had the privilege of ministering the love of Christ and watching God’s people respond to that love. No matter how deep their sin may be; God still loves them. However, God does not excuse our sins, but is always patiently waiting to forgive us of our sins.
God, in His mercy forgives us of our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness, but too many times, we have trouble accepting God''s forgiveness. Although we know the Bible says God is loving, kind and longsuffering, it’s hard for us to believe this could possibly pertain to us.
Micah 7:18 -19 reads, “ Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the
depths of the sea .”
Here is where the problem begins because even though the Bible plainly tells us God will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea, we find ourselves performing deep-sea maneuvers. Even though God has cast those sins into the depths of the sea, we dive as deep as pearl divers dive and bring back up the oysters of our sins. We must learn to let go and let our sins stay on the bed of that sea. Letting go means taking God at His Word and trusting in Him completely.
There’s a story of an old man walking around on the top of a cliff. While walking too close to the edge he slipped and fell. While falling, in desperation he reached out, grabbed on to a limb, and just hung there between heaven and earth. Finally, he looked up and screamed, “Is there anybody up there?” Immediately a calm voice said, “I am here.” The old man asked, “Who are you?” The voice replied, “I am God.” In desperation the old man responded, “God, what do you want me to do?” God said, “Let go of the limb.” The man just hung there for a while in silence. The old man looked back up and shouted, “Is there anybody else up there?”
We ask God for an answer, but when He does answer us, we immediately go into search mode. This answer can’t be right because, it wasn’t what we wanted to hear. We can’t trust God’s answers because our own retrieved guilt floods in and makes us feel unworthy. Then by rejecting God’s answers, we unwittingly underestimate the Love of God.
Romans 5:8 says, “ that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us .” Even in our sinful rebellious state, Christ loved us and gave his life for us. He bought us with His life in our “purchased as is” condition. “As is” means with all our faults, shortcomings and defects, the blood of Christ has the power to cleanse our vilest sins. We must learn trust in the power and the love of Christ!