Present Reality!

There are things which have happened and we understand the impact they have had in this world. History is dotted with significant events that have taken place and are remembered for the difference they made. However, is there action that has taken place in the past that still presently SHOWS something of great significance?

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome, he stated. . .
"(6) For while we were still weak, at the right time CHRIST DIED for the ungodly. (7) For one will scarcely die for a righteous person -- though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die -- (8) but GOD SHOWS HIS LOVE for us in that while we were still sinners, CHRIST DIED for us." ( Romans 5:6-8 ESV)

Take note of the verb tenses in this passage. When it was the "right time", Jesus willingly gave Himself up to death on the cross; He DIED (past tense) for the ungodly. Paul also stated that even while we were sinners, Christ DIED (past tense) for us. The reality Jesus DIED is in the past. It is something He did! It is over and done with! The death He DIED only had to happen once to provide the means of forgiveness from our sins. ( Hebrews 10:12) Jesus only needed to offer Himself as a "single sacrifice" to take away sin, quite unlike the continual sacrifices under the Old Law. ( Hebrews 10:11)

Though we know what Jesus did for us in the past, do we recognize that which is still presently being shown? Notice Paul did not say God "showed" His love in this way, but rather that God "SHOWS" His love! That is present tense! Though Jesus DIED -- having given His life once for all -- God's love is STILL PRESENTLY BEING SHOWN every time we benefit from that continuing forgiveness.

Are we living continually mindful of presently living in the love GOD IS SHOWING as we walk in Christ? (note also 1 John 1:7) May we gratefully acknowledge the ongoing presence of His Love as we seek to live in accordance with His will. Because of what Christ did on that cross nearly 2000 years ago, God's LOVING FORGIVENESS continues to be a present reality for us. Let us never take that reality for granted.

Have a great day SEEING THE LOVE GOD STILL SHOWS!
Carl

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