Willing to Die

“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:8)

The journal topic was written on the board, “For what or whom would you be willing to die?” The high school English class sat writing, but the results were discouraging to their teacher. A few students wrote that they would be willing to die for their families or their country, but the majority of the class stated in no uncertain terms that they were not willing to die for anyone.

Still, it is a good question. For whom would you be willing to give your life? If you are a parent, you probably would give your life for your child’s. If you are married or in love, you may give your life in exchange for your loved one’s. But, how about for an imperfect stranger? Maybe a person whose life choices are even reprehensible to you? A child molester? A terrorist? How about for a liar or a cheat? Even an enemy?

Yes, I know you can see where I am headed with these thoughts. I really do not have anything new to say; but, the simple truth of the Gospel remains relevant in spite of my lack of originality. I cannot help but be stunned by the unselfish sacrifice that Jesus made for me. You see, “rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die” (Rom. 5:7). But Christ chose to willingly die for us “while we were still sinners!” Doesn’t that piercing truth take your breath away? It is shocking and obscene! That the only perfect and sinless man ever to live on this planet would choose to suffer and give his life for liars and cheats, for child molesters and terrorists, even for me, is enough to make us turn away in shame. But God did this for us! Christ died for us! How can we turn away from such a gift? Such self-sacrificing love is almost too much to bear, but it is what He offers even while we are “still helpless … ungodly … sinners.” He wants us even in our stained and world-worn condition. How can we turn away?

Maybe today is “the appointed moment” for you to accept what Christ offers. Maybe this is the first time you have really seen and understood with breathtaking clarity what Christ has done for you. You are helpless without Him; but, because of Christ’s sacrifice, His willingness to die in your place, you can be redeemed. And the best news is that He lives today and wants to welcome you into His family through His love. “For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life!” (Rom. 5:10) He was willing to die in your place. Are you willing to live for Him?