NOTE: If God had not taken the initiative in loving us, in coming to find us, and in making us good promises, we could never have known what it is to love God. We can only love Him, however feebly, because He first loves us.
Q6 In what song at the birth of Jesus is this great love described?
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10-14
Q7 How do we know that God’s love for sinners is for all people?
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
Q8 God reveals this goodwill towards all men by inviting them to come to Him. What kind words are offered to who have not known God?
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
Q9 How shall we react as we see our Creator dying on the cross for us?
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. John 12:32,33.
NOTE: Realising that our God and Maker died for us, softens our hearts and draws us to Him.
Q10 When Jesus returned to heaven, who was given to the world to make us fully aware of the sins that we need to overcome?
[Jesus said] It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter
[The Holy Spirit] will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove [convict, convince] the world of sin. John 16:7,8.
Q11 What was the importance of the death of Jesus?
Who died for us, that ... we should live together with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee. Psalm 130:3,4.
Q12 Will all people respond to this love?
And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Matthew 22:3
NOTE: These must be some of the saddest words in the Bible. In the parable Jesus told, they chose not to come. They had had the invitation, they had heard that it was personally for them and they chose to ignore it, deliberately deciding not to respond. They spurned the love of God for them. We all have a choice but not all will come to the Saviour.
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