Before the morning star heralded the dawning of the first day, before the creation of the first man, the eternal God had in his unbounded love determined that Christ was to die for the ungodly.
Our salvation is then a product of God’s free and eternal counsel. This is the rock foundation on which we build our hope of salvation—Christ died for the ungodly. The ungodly reject God and defy him. They live in rebellion and enmity toward God. Through these truths we are given a glimpse into a boundless depth of love. Is it possible that God so loved us? Do you understand this correctly? Do you in all humility dare to believe that he died for you?
Has God’s Spirit been permitted to touch your conscience? Have you been shown that you are ungodly in spite of your religious interests, prayers, and longings? Have you been shown that you actually do not love God and his will? You resist him. In spite of all your efforts you are unable to transform your hard, unbelieving heart.
You are ungodly, but that is the point. Christ died for the ungodly. He died for you.
Hans Edvard Wisløff (1902—1969) was a Norwegian theologian and writer. He was also the Bishop of the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland from 1959 until his death in 1969.
Wisløff, H.E., Quiet Moments on the Way Home. Fergus Falls, MN: Faith & Fellowship Press, 1993.