Love For Christ

We love him, because he first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

    Love for the Lord Jesus Christ never has and never will be begotten from the heart of sinful mankind. Love for Christ is a gift of God originating from his love for us. Our love for him begins when he effectually reveals his love for us in regeneration in his glorious person and redemptive work as our substitute by the preaching of the Gospel—We love Him, because he first loved us. Christ’s love for his elect never originated. His love for his people is eternal (no beginning and no end). His love for us was, and is manifested (revealed)—In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him (1 Jn 4:9).

    Our love for Christ is manifested as well—Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (1 Jn 5:1-3).

    The commandment (declaration) that we have from him is that all those whom he loves, and to whom he has revealed himself, will love him and love each other—And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also (1 Jn 4:21).

    Unregenerate man does not love God nor does he love God’s people—not with the special, spiritual love that God gives. Man loves the thoughts of the benefits that Christ promises to his people, but not Christ himself. Christ’s sheep’s love for him is manifested in their love for and commitment to Christ, his Gospel, and his church. It is not fear of punishment or hope of reward that fuels the fire in the hearts of God’s chosen to live for Him. It is love for Christ. It is not necessarily those who profess to know him and love Him, and his doctrine, that actually love Him. It is those who actuallyknow him and necessarily manifest that love, which he has given them.

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep (Jn 21:17).