Christ died for the ungodly

On one occasion, while a renowned preacher was exhorting in a university about the death of Christ for humanity, a young university student stood up from his seat and asked: How can the death of a single man save millions from hell? To which the preacher replied with deep conviction: Do you know why? Because that only man, you can put next to Him the most beautiful, the brightest, gather all the constellations, gather all the men that have existed, and nothing—absolutely nothing—can be compared to the sanctity, the purity, the beauty, and the majesty of that single man. Hallelujah! The death of Christ on the cross saved us from hell and sin. Yes, one man, dear brother, but a man who is God made flesh, the eternal Son who came to redeem us.

In the world there have been many men who have made great efforts to destroy slavery, to establish human rights, to defend justice, and even to liberate nations that had been subjected under oppressive regimes. Their work has made an impact in history and their names are remembered with honor. However, none of these men, no matter how remarkable or admirable they may have been, can be compared to that Man of Sorrows, that Messiah who carried our griefs and took upon Himself our sins. None of them could reach the height, the perfection, or the divine mission of Christ, who offered His life as a sacrifice to save wicked, rebellious, and corrupt people.

The apostle Paul wrote about this profound truth to the believers in Rome:

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

The first thing we must understand is that when we were dead in our trespasses and sins—when we had no hope, no strength, and no way to reconcile ourselves with God—He Himself intervened. God offered His only Son as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Christ came at the right time, fulfilling prophecy, revealing the heart of God, and offering us salvation. Through His death, He freed us from the eternal condemnation of hell and from the chains of sin that kept us enslaved. His sacrifice was not simply heroic; it was divine, eternal, and all-sufficient.

Who would be capable of loving as Christ has loved? Who among humans would dare to give everything, absolutely everything, to rescue those who do not deserve anything? Christ gave everything for us. He humbled Himself to the lowest point, leaving His throne of glory, stripping Himself of His heavenly privileges, and taking the form of a servant. He walked among men, suffered rejection, endured pain, and willingly gave up His precious life on a rugged cross. All of this He did so that we might be forgiven, restored, and reconciled with God.

The apostle Paul’s words highlight something astonishing: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did not wait for us to improve our behavior, to repent on our own, or to become worthy. No—He loved us first. He acted when we were powerless, when we were lost, when we were enemies of God. This is the greatest demonstration of love that the universe has ever seen.

God has shown us the maximum expression of love, a love beyond comprehension, a love that cannot be measured or compared. Being sinful, rebellious, and guilty, He sent His Son to die for us. This is the gospel: undeserved grace poured out on unworthy sinners. It is the eternal story of a God who reaches down to save those who could never save themselves.

Dear reader, meditate on this glorious truth: Christ’s death was not the death of an ordinary man, but the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God. His blood was enough to cleanse millions, His life enough to redeem the world, and His resurrection enough to give us eternal hope. Praise Christ for His love, walk in His light, and live every day for His glory.