For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die.But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (CSB)

Paul opened Romans by explaining how Jews and Gentiles are all on equal footing, in desperate need of a Savior. He also discussed how we are saved by grace through faith alone, and not on any ability for us to earn it for ourselves. Paul transitions as he begins Chapter 5, telling us how much we gain thanks to Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross. God has made peace with us, and we can have hope even in the trials of our lives. Paul also mentions early in the chapter how God’s act of grace happens before we have faith. God speaks His intention to send Jesus as early as Genesis 3, where we are introduced to the idea of Jesus as the Snake Crusher. From the beginning, God’s plan to save us was already in motion. That means that before any of us were even around to have a chance to consider God, He was planning for us. Paul further expands on this point during our key verses today.

Even in our human understanding we consider someone sacrificing themselves to save another person as something incredible and awe-inspiring. I’m willing to bet that right now there are people in your life or situations in which you would not think twice about dying for someone else. Those situations might involve spouses, children, parents, fellow service members, or someone you view as innocent or undeserving of death—someone or some cause "worthy" of your sacrificial offering. We are moved and inspired by these types of stories, so much so that some of the all-time popular books and movies include this element. But would we love the stories as much if the sacrifice was for a murderer? Would we lay down our lives for the worst person we can think of?

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That’s the crazy thing about what Jesus does. While we were still sinners, He dies on the cross. When we had nothing good to offer and no intention to change, Jesus willingly laid down His life. He took my penalty and made a way for ME to be made right with God. Before Jesus did this, I had no hope of finding salvation. He took my penalty, and yours, making a way for each of us to be right with God. The ultimate good person gave up His life for those least deserving (all of us). God’s love isn’t demonstrated by the fact that Jesus died so much as it is shown in who He dies for.

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That’s the ultimate security for the believer—this love was so undeserved and not in the least bit dependent on us; therefore, it will never change. The redemptive work only depends on God. The theologian R. Kent Hughes highlights the permanence of God’s love, emphasizing that it's unearned and steadfast because it relies solely on God’s character. He says, “Because this love is unmerited and is not dependent on us, it will never change. Think of it! We are lavished with a love that lies in God alone. God’s love is the permanent possession of the child of God.” It’s this proven love that shows how much God is worth trusting. Thank God, it never depended on me!

Today on Juneteenth, we are reminded of the long-delayed announcement of freedom to the enslaved, but Romans 5:6–8 reminds us of an even greater liberation: while we were still bound by sin, Christ died for us. As we reflect on what Christ has done, we’re reminded that freedom in Christ compels us to honor the freedom of others. Believers should have a vested interest in seeing no one remain in bondage—whether physical, social, or spiritual. 

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Today, spend a moment in prayer to thank God for your freedom in Christ. If you haven't taken the step to follow Jesus yet, but you're ready to accept His gift of salvation, today is the day! If you need help with that process, reach out to a believing friend, reply to your devo text, or contact us at office@acfak.org.

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Then, pray specifically for those still in bondage—whether to sin, addiction, mental illness, unsafe relationships, or literal slavery (currently an estimated 50 million people worldwide). God doesn’t desire bondage for anyone. If you're unfamiliar with issues surrounding modern day slavery and would like to learn more about the issues and what can be done, I recommend A21 as a great place to start.