What does the Bible say about Christ dying for the ungodly?

The Scriptures affirm that Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, died for the ungodly, not for the righteous or religious. This is a central tenet of our faith, encapsulated in Romans 5:6, which tells us, 'For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.' His death was not just any death; it was a death of shame under the wrath and judgment of God (Philippians 2:8). This underscores the profound nature of His sacrifice, as He bore the penalty for our sins as a substitute and representative of His elect.

The significance of this doctrine lies in the fact that Christ's sacrificial death was necessary for salvation. He died to satisfy the justice of God, allowing Him to be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:24-26). This act embodies the greatest proof of love, as highlighted in 1 John 4:10, demonstrating not only the depth of our depravity but also the magnitude of God's grace towards those who could not save themselves.