I want us to focus in this message, on a less obvious purpose for Christ’s death – LOVE. The scripture speaks of this purpose:
“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” (John 3:16; Genesis 22:2).
Thus the offering for sins, justification, intersession, inheritance and reconciliation all derive from a greater purpose, THE LOVE OF GOD.
The Love of God is exemplified in Christ when he consented to give up his life for our transgressions. Jesus explains the purpose of love in his death saying: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. (John 15:13).
He reveals further the significance of love in sacrifice as: “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life…. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself” Christ explains that he has “power to lay it down, [and] power to take it again”.; and that “this commandment [he] received of [his] Father” (John 10:8).
Brethren, what is important to note from this revelation is the connection between obedience to God’s word, sacrifice or ‘willing giving’ and God’s love.
3. THE MANNER OF SACRIFICIAL LOVE
