We Christians often talk about God’s unconditional love. However, using a word search tool in the ESV, KJV, NKJV, NASB, and NRSV translations reveals “unconditional” never appears once in scripture. “Love”, in contrast, appears 773 times in its various forms in the ESV.
So does God love us unconditionally? Yes – and No. God absolutely accepts us while we are yet in our sin and imposes no conditions for extending His merciful love to us. But scripture also teaches that God will judge at the end of days, and there will be a reckoning (see Rev 20:11-15).
Humanity is a fallen race, yet God loves all people, even the ones who break His laws. Jesus taught: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Mat 5:44-45 ESV) If we are instructed to do this, how much greater does the Father…
God gave a gracious remedy for this sinful human condition – forgiveness. However, forgiveness comes with a condition. That condition is repentance. We must humble ourselves before God, confess our sins, and acknowledge our guilt. But repentance alone is not enough. God told the Israelites to build an altar and perform animal sacrifices as a covering (atonement) for sin. The animal blood that was shed foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice to come. God loved all humanity so unconditionally that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as the ultimate atonement for our redemption.
That, brethren, is the sole condition of God’s eternal love for us – that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (Joh 3:16 ESV). What a loving, compassionate condition that is.
Lord, thank you for Your love and mercy. I confess to you all my sins, trespasses, and shortcomings. And I believe Your son paid the ultimate price for my sins. Thank you for life. Amen.
–RG