How many times have I heard someone say, in response to a statement, “Prove it!” We all want proof or evidence for what we believe, confirmation that our beliefs are correct. As we approach Easter, I’m reminded of the overwhelming evidence that the cross proves God’s love for us.
It would not be hard to believe that a mother would die for her children. I would gladly give my life for the life of my husband, children, and grandchildren. However, I would not give my life for an enemy. I know no one else that would do that except God. In Romans 5:10, we see that we were God’s enemies before our salvation. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” While we were still His enemy, God made a way by the cross to reconcile us to Himself.
The cross is proof of God’s profound love for all humanity. John 3:16 teaches us that He loved the world. That encompasses everyone! This is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us. True love gives without any thought of what it will cost. He not only gave, but He also gave the best and most perfect gift of all. This is the love God has for us.
John 3:16 “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.”
Real love shows up in our actions and attitudes. The proof of our love for others is shown in how we treat others. If I love someone, I will seek to do things for them. I want to meet their needs. God did this for us as shown in Romans 5:8. It teaches us that God commendeth, which means He demonstrated His love for us. At the same time, we were sinners, unable to do anything to secure Heaven on our own. Yet, God gave His Son to die for us.
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
In John 14:15, our proof of our love is shown in our obedience. In Philippians 2:8, we see this attribute in Jesus as He yields to the Father’s obedience. He proved His love for the Father and us in His obedience.
John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Philippians 2:8 “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Christ’s death on the cross was proof of God’s love because, as sinners, we cannot enter Heaven when we die on our own merit. The holiness of God will not allow Him to be in the presence of sin. A holy sacrifice must be made. Only the blood of the perfect Lamb of God could cover our sins. Because of God’s love, we can be reconciled to Him. His love for us secures the opportunity for us to be redeemed, which means being bought back or repurchased by God. His love for us caused Him to sacrifice His only Son so that we could have a relationship with Him. His holiness demanded the sin debt to be paid, and only one person was qualified to pay the price.
We have proof that God loves us. He showed us through the cross how much He values a relationship with us. If you are a Christian, it is your turn to show your love for Him through obedience.
