While we were yet sinners...

by Ryan Lightcap
(Gilbertsville. PA, USA)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

This was penned in 55-57 AD by the Apostle Paul. Before he was the Apostle Paul, he was Saul.

Saul persecuted the believers in Christ and even OK'd the deaths of many of them. He was called to Apostleship by Jesus, Himself. Paul is arguable one of the most influential people in the early Church.

This simple line from Paul shows me how much God truly loves us. Being a parent, I cannot even begin to imagine what it would have been like for God to watch His Son die, especially in the manner that he did. As hard as that was, He allowed it in order that we may be forgiven and have a right relationship with God. His grace and mercy abound and this simple phrase "But God commendeth his love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" reminds us that "for God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."