Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The entire world is filled with sinners. This is a point that we stress often, because it is the simple truth. No one is exempt from being a sinner. Now what each person does next is entirely up to them. Will they recognize that they need help to rescue them from the punishment for their sin, or will they refuse the help that has been made available through Jesus Christ?
If you think of the entire world as a large, deep hole in the ground, all of the Earth’s inhabitants are stuck down inside of it, with no way to escape. This hole represents our sins, and if we want to get out all that we need to do is look up and we will see the Lord’s hand extending down towards us, just waiting for us to grab ahold so He may pull is out.
The amazing thing is that Jesus loved us so much that He did this for us even before we had repented yet. He died for our sins and offered His forgiveness to people who hadn’t even changed yet! It is like He was at the top of that hole saying, “If you want to get out and receive forgiveness, I’ll be here for you.” That is truly incredible. That is love.
John 3:13-18 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
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.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
It is not Jesus’ will that people perish because of their sins. He wants to save sinners, not condemn them. This is made evident by His death for us on the cross. He loves sinners and wants to save them, but He will leave the choice up to the individual what they want to do. Do they want to remain down in the hole of their sins and refuse to change and turn away from their sins, or will they be like Peter, who looked up at the outstretched hand of the Lord, grabbed it, and say, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 14:25-31 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Jesus immediately stretched out His hand to save Peter when he cried out for help, and he will do the same for anyone who calls on His name. So will you make the decision to reach up and take His hand? Will you accept the love that Jesus has for you and come on up out of that hole?
In Christ
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 