Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)
See, the cross of Calvary does not only reveal the unfailing love of God for us but also our utter sinfulness and powerlessness when it comes to sin. I believe that until someone is given the revelation of God’s holiness, she will not understand her utter sinfulness. The prophet Isaiah is a case in order. He saw God’s holiness and spoke like no one else before him: Isaiah said, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the king, the Lord Almighty.” He later on describes “all our righteous deeds as filthy rugs”.
What hope is there for anyone whose righteous deeds, which religion describes as basis for God’s acceptance, are described as despicable to God? Thank God for the Cross of Calvary. It reminds me of the place and time I earned the legal right to enter in the presence of God any time in the name of Jesus Christ. I no longer have to run from God because of my failures. Instead, I feel the urge to run to him because of my failures, as the only Helper.
The love of God is the only thing I can take for granted in the sense that it does not waver nor is it conditional. It does not depend on its object but is rooted in the person and nature of God. God does not change, therefore his love cannot change. It means that no one ends up in hell because God does not love him or her. It also means that God does not love some people more than others.
Only imperfect love can vacillate. Interestingly, the bible says God disciplines or punishes those he loves. Let me quickly say that this does not mean that God does not punish those that he does not love, for saying that God does not love is tantamount to implying God ceasing to be, but God is eternal. Note that it is possible that the Bible relates love and discipline (punishment) to correct the tendency human beings have to view love and punishment as mutually exclusive. Accordingly, the bible tells us that God uses discipline or punishment, even though it does not feel pleasant to us, to show us that he cares. Please note that I would never pretend to fully understand the love of God because I know that God is love. Something about it will remain mysterious because He is Holy.
