God's love is unconditional as demonstrated by His promise to love freely, heal our backslidings, and forgive our iniquities.
The sermon highlights that God's love towards His people is not based on their actions but is a reflection of His eternal grace. In Hosea 14:4, the Lord declares, 'I will heal their backslidings; I will love them freely, for mine anger is turned away from him.' This underscores that God's favor is not contingent upon our performance or worthiness but rather stems from His steadfast love and will. The concept of unconditional love is foundational in Reformed theology, emphasizing that it is God's initiating love that calls us to Himself. As recipients of such love, believers are assured of their standing with God, not through their merit but through Christ's redemptive work.
Scripture References:
Hosea 14:4, Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10, John 17:23, Malachi 3:6
Commentary