While We Were Still Sinners
Romans 5:6–8 — “Christ died for the ungodly… while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Ephesians 2:1–5 — “You were dead in transgressions… but because of his great love, he made us alive.”
Titus 3:3–5 — “We were foolish, disobedient… but he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done.”
1 Timothy 1:15 — “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”
John 3:16–17 — “God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save it.”
This is the scandal of grace: salvation was never earned—it was initiated. While we were lost in darkness, denying God, chasing idols, or simply indifferent, the Father looked down—not in anger, but in love—and sent His only Son. Not after we cleaned up. Not after we believed. But before. Our faith is the response to His action, not the cause of it. This shatters pride and lifts the broken. You don’t have to “get right” to come to Jesus. You come to Him because you’re wrong—and He makes you right.
lyrics by Zeb of Virginia Beach Church
from his song “Your Redemptive Love”
oh Lord I struggled and I fought
I fought with all my might
to hold on to my darkness
and eschew your Holy light
for such was the inner nature of
this stubborn man so tough
but then you overwhelmed my rebellious heart
with your redemptive love
ask anyone who knew me then
I knew what everything was about
if you had a question on anything
I would answer with a shout
so prideful boastful were my ways
so abrasive, loud and gruff
but then you overcame my rebellious heart
with your redemptive love
I have been redeemed in You.
from a life of death and lies now I’m living true
oh the wonderous miracles you do
I have been redeemed dear Jesus dear Lord
I am a brand new creature in you in you
you suffered and died so horribly
and I couldn’t even say thanks
for dying for my sins but I was drowning
within the sinner’s unholy ranks
dark was my soul’s reflection
full of arrogance and bluff
but then you overtook my rebellious heart
with your redemptive love
I knew you not but you knew me
much deeper in my soul
thank you Lord you grabbed the steering wheel
and took absolute control
now a happy man am I
more than I ever dreamt of
for you commandeered my rebellious heart
with your redemptive love
Lord, I didn’t seek You. You sought me. I didn’t love You. You loved me first. Thank You for loving me when I was Your enemy. Help me live in awe of that grace. Amen.
