In the Centre of God’s Love – by Desmond Ford

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Jul 20, 2016 1772

The gospel is good news. It is not good advice. Notice how the good news is told in Romans and how the word “gift” is repeated:

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:15-17)

We have paid the penalty for all our sins in Christ, our Substitute and Representative. The perfect righteousness required by the law has been procured for us and is put to the credit of all who will accept the gift.

When these passages are understood, we will follow the example of Paul. He died to the law (as a method of salvation), that he might live to God (Galatians 2:19). Hesitate not to believe the good news, for God is indeed love.

It takes a universe to hold that love, and it will take eternity to unfold it. But right now, this moment, you are in the centre of that love, however much a failure you may feel, however debased. God forgives the penitent seventy times seven. God cries, “How can I give you up? I have loved you with an everlasting love. Come unto me, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke, learn of me, for my yoke is easy and my burden light. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Believe. Receive. There is infinite guilt in a moment’s unbelief, but infinite joy in a moment when you accept God’s acceptance of you.

Come now! Live eternally in joy with the One who longs to rejoice over you with singing. Come – and welcome!

– Des Ford. Rom 8:27-32. Adapted from “Performance, Perfection, and Promise”