The Old Testament is the story of creation, the fall of man into sin, his guilt before the holy law Giver, and the unfolding of God’s plan to save man from sin. The prophetic message of the messiah is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, which explodes upon the pages of the New Testament. In Christ, truth was heard like never before, and love was seen as only God could personify it.
When we read the Gospels, we behold love, which is freely given, bestowed upon the wicked, and never withdrawn. Christ is the personification of forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, which culminated on a Roman cross as he suffered and died as the sacrificial lamb. As the Gospels close and the Apostles begin to write to their readers the things, which are needful for them to hear, they take up the cause for loving Christ, and not take him for granted.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Romans 6:1-2
John Newton understood the intent of God’s Grace when he penned the words, “twas grace that taught my heart of fear.” Speaking of guilty sinners in Romans 3, the apostle Paul said, ‘there is no fear of God before their eyes.’ Christ’s acts of love on the cross draws men to love, obey, and submit to God, not take Him for granted. “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” Romans 6:14.
Christ’s love is unconditional, incomprehensible, and without cost, yet it is anything but cheap.
The Christian is one who grows to appreciate the high cost God paid to love him, and shows his gratitude by word, thought, and deed.