Romans 5:7-8 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.… There are three gradations in which the love of God is here exhibited — I. THE LOVE OF INFINITE COMPASSION. Contemplate — 1. The aspect under which man appeared to the most holy God. Paul tells us that men were — (1) Sinners. (2) Ungodly, i.e., living without God. (3) Enemies. (4) Objects of the Divine wrath. 2. The aspect under which the blessed God ought to be viewed by sinful man. Shall any hard thought of God be allowed a dwelling place in your hearts? Will you call in question His clemency? Is it possible for you to imagine that He takes delight in the death of a sinner? "Herein is love," etc. II. THE LOVE DISPLAYED IN THE EXERCISE OF THAT MERCY WHICH SECURES FROM THE DANGER OF FUTURE CONDEMNATION (ver. 9). Consider — 1. The extent of privilege actually attained by every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is justified by the blood of Christ — that is, God, in the capacity of a righteous lawgiver and judge, pronounces him righteous. 2. The security from final condemnation arising out of the state already attained. "Much more...we shall be saved from wrath through Him." III. THE LOVE DISPLAYED IN COMPLACENCY TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE IN A STATE OF RECONCILIATION (ver. 10). The life of Christ in heaven secures to the believer all needful resources during his progress towards the enjoyment of consummated salvation if you consider — 1. That His presence in heaven secures His continual and prevailing intercession on behalf of His people. 2. The perpetual communications of His grace as secured to us by His life in glory. "All things are delivered unto Him by the Father" — that is, for the use of His people. "It hath pleased the Father that in Him shall all fulness dwell"; therefore it pleased the Father that from His fulness should every needy disciple receive an abundant supply; so that of His fulness we, who have believed, do receive even grace for grace. 3. The interposition promised and pledged for the coming hour of our greatest emergency. The death and the life of Christ gives to the believer indeed no security against death, but full security in death and after death. (H. F. Burder, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. |
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