This article is part of our "Gospel Saturation series" – featuring rich gospel verses from Scripture to help us grow and strengthen in faith as we saturate in the knowledge of Christ Jesus and his work for us.
"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Pastor and author J.D. Greear uses a four word sentence to help his church summarize and remember the gospel: "Jesus in my place." In Romans 5:8, like in so many other parts of the Bible, we see an aspect of that message clearly expressed.
Let's look quickly at what it says and what it tells us.
but God
God intervened in our lives. God was able and willing and did.
shows his love for us
God loves us. And he showed his love for and continues to show his love for us.
while we were still sinners
When he intervened for us and showed his love for us we were still sinners. We were opposed to him (Rm 5:10). We hadn't done anything to merit his love or rescue. But he did it anyway.
Christ died for us
How did God intervene for us? How much did he love us? How did he show it? Christ Jesus, his Son, the radiance of the glory of God (Heb 1:3), God himself(John 1:1), died for us.
He came and took our place. Sinners are supposed to die (Rom 6:23). But he took our place instead. Christ died for us.
Jesus in my place.
Read it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Saturate in it. Enjoy it and give thanks for his greatness and love and amazing work for us.
"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
