While We Where Sinners

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“While we were yet sinners—when we were at our worst, at enmity with God, deserving nothing but wrath—Christ died for us. This is the wonder of the gospel: not that He died for the good, but for the ungodly. It is the glory of grace that it stoops to the lowest and saves the vilest.” Charles Spurgeon

In Bible school, while reading the Old Testament, I was furious with Israel. God rescued them from Egypt—they rejected Him. He raised judges to deliver them—they rejected Him. He gave them kings—they complained. He sent prophets—they ignored them. I couldn’t believe their stubbornness.

Then Romans hit me like a freight train: I was Israel. I rejected Him for years. I was the one far from Him, hostile in mind, living for myself. That’s the miracle of the gospel: while I was still a sinner—still rejecting, still broken—Christ died for me.

God is faithful even when I’m not. His grace doesn’t wait for us to get our act together. It stoops to the lowest point and saves the vilest. When I remember this, my heart overflows with gratitude. It’s not about trying harder; it’s about resting in what He’s already done on the cross.

This is the good news the whole world needs. When you get frustrated with the brokenness around you (like I do most days), remember: no one is too far from His grace. He pursues His lost children who reject Him.

Today, pray for someone far from God. Serve them. Love them. Invite them to dinner. Show them the same grace you’ve received. Jesus died for them while they were still sinners.

Have a great day overflowing with gratitude for the cross!