We Need a Saviour

By Paul Chappell

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."

Romans 5:6–9

First published in 1967, the self-help book I’m OK, You’re OK by Dr. Thomas A. Harris has sold more than fifteen million copies and has been translated into more than a dozen languages. It is not surprising that a message that tells us to feel good about ourselves would prove popular. However much that view may appeal to our vanity, it does not match what God says about our condition.

The Bible’s picture of man’s condition is dire. We are not okay. Not only that, but we do not have the strength or the ability to save ourselves or make ourselves okay. Yet there is hope—because God loves us. The judgment that should rightfully come to us for our sins has been taken away and replaced with the reward for the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ which has been placed on our account.

God’s love was great enough to provide the ultimate sacrifice so we could be reconciled to Him. As we consider things for which we should be thankful, nothing comes before our salvation. This provision of God altered our eternal destiny, transformed us with a new nature, and changes the way we walk through this world. None of this happens because we deserve it or because we earn it. When Christ died for us, we were His enemies, yet His love overcame every obstacle so that we could trust Him for salvation and enjoy fellowship with Him.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Give thanks today for the love of God that sent His Son to die for you and that made you His child.