Bootstrap
DH

For you - a vile sinner, a rebel worm

David Harsha • July, 23 2008 • Video & Audio
13 Sermons
0 Comments
DH
David Harsha • July, 23 2008
13 sermons
Choice Puritan Devotional

The sermon by David Harsha centers on the profound love of Christ as exhibited in His crucifixion, emphasizing the theological concept of substitutionary atonement central to Reformed doctrine. Harsha articulates that Christ's death serves as the highest manifestation of divine love—showing how such love compelled Him to leave the glories of heaven to suffer on behalf of vile sinners. He supports this claim with scriptural references, including Romans 5:8, which states, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." This underscores the gracious and unmerited nature of Christ's love and sacrifice. The doctrinal significance lies in the understanding that the infinite love of Christ brings restoration to those lost in sin and elevates believers to an eternal inheritance, inviting reflection and admiration of such a mystery.

Key Quotes

“What but infinite love brought Him from the height of bliss to the depths of suffering, from the throne of heaven to the cross of Calvary?”

“The greatest wonder in the universe is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

“The love of Christ passes knowledge.”

“Those who have stood by the cross... and felt the healing balm applied to their diseased souls... will appreciate the astonishing love of Christ.”

What does the Bible say about Christ's love for sinners?

The Bible reveals Christ's unmatched love for sinners, exemplified in His sacrificial death on the cross.

The Scriptures provide a profound illustration of Christ's love for sinners, most clearly seen in Romans 5:8, which states, 'But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' This manifestation of love is not merely an abstract concept; it is the highest expression of love, as Christ willingly endured suffering and humiliation, coming from the heights of heaven to the depths of the cross. Such boundless devotion portrays the infinite nature of Christ's love, which cannot be fathomed by human understanding.

Further, as demonstrated in the story of the Gospel, Christ’s journey to the cross emphasizes His love; from Gethsemane's agony to the crucifixion, He bore the weight of our sins out of a deep desire to reconcile us to God. The love He exhibits is not based on our merit but is an unmerited gift bestowed upon us, highlighting the essence of His grace. It involves sacrifice, pain, and ultimately, redemption.

Romans 5:8, John 15:13

How do we know God's love is true?

God's love is most evidently shown in Christ's sacrificial death, affirming His commitment to redeeming humanity.

The truth of God's love is rooted in the historical and singular act of Christ's sacrificial death. As Romans 5:8 highlights, 'But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' This verse not only underscores the very essence of love but serves as the assurance of God’s unwavering commitment to His people. By dying for those who were in rebellion against Him, it is clear that His love goes far beyond natural human confines, reflecting a divine initiative and pursuit that is vital in the context of sovereign grace theology.

Moreover, the concept of Christ as the 'Lamb slain before the foundation of the world' (Revelation 13:8) illustrates that God’s plan to manifest His love was established before creation itself. Therefore, the powerful historical reality of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection confirms the depth and authenticity of God's love, reinforcing the promise of eternal life for those who place their faith in Him.

Romans 5:8, Revelation 13:8

Why is the crucifixion of Christ important for Christians?

The crucifixion of Christ is central to Christianity as it represents the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the path to redemption.

The crucifixion of Christ is pivotal to the Christian faith because it embodies the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. As articulated in 1 Peter 2:24, 'He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree,' underscoring the belief that through His death, believers receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This act is not merely a historical event but serves as the foundation of the Gospel message, emphasizing that salvation is obtained not by works but through faith in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

Furthermore, the crucifixion reveals God's profound love and justice. It illustrates the seriousness of sin and the necessity for justice to be served, which was fulfilled in Christ’s death. The resurrection that follows the crucifixion confirms His victory over sin and death, instilling hope and a promise of eternal life for believers. Hence, the crucifixion is essential for Christians as it encapsulates the core of their belief in redemption, divine love, and the transformative power of grace.

1 Peter 2:24, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Sermon Transcript

Auto-generated transcript • May contain errors

100%
For you, a vile sinner, a rebel
worm. By David Harsha. Ponder the amazing
love exhibited in the death of Christ. Would you see the highest
manifestation of eternal love? Then contemplate Christ crucified. Here is the grand exhibition
of infinite love. In the crucifixion of the glorious
Redeemer, the brightest love that ever shone on earth is displayed. What boundless love is seen here,
the infinite love of Christ, shining in all of its glory,
What but infinite love brought Him from the height of bliss
to the depths of suffering, From the throne of heaven to the cross
of Calvary? What but infinite love made Him
a suffering man and a dying Savior? What but infinite love made Him
hasten to Jerusalem to suffer for sinners? What but infinite
love led Him to Gethsemane to endure those agonies for sinners,
where His blessed form was covered with bloody sweat? What but infinite
love nailed Him to the cross, there to bleed and die for sinners? Greater love has no man than
this, That a man lay down his life for his friends. But oh, the greatest wonder in
the universe is That while we were yet sinners, Christ died
for us. Think of this. Wonder at it. Be amazed at it. Christ, the
glorious Son of God, dying for you, a vile sinner, a rebel worm. Oh, admire that love which pitied
you in your lost condition, visited your world, and raised you from
the depths of sin and suffering to become an heir of eternal
life and of eternal glory. How vast is this love, the all-surpassing
love of a dying Savior! Your breadths and lengths have
never been compassed by a human thought, Your depths never fathomed
by a created intelligence, Your heights never scanned by a seraph's
gaze. Stupendous love! What a theme,
the dying love of the crucified Son of God! Well may angels desire
to dwell on this mystery! Well may saints be enraptured
with this profound subject! What heart is so obdurate as
not to be melted by its touching exhibition, Or so benighted as
not to be dazzled by its glory? How wonderful that He who kindled
up the stars of heaven should take upon Him our nature and
die in our room instead. Amazing love! This is the wonder
of wonders, the unsearchable riches of Christ. Truly, the
love of Christ passes knowledge. those and those alone who have
stood by the cross and viewed Emmanuel in agonies and death,
bleeding and dying for their sins, and have felt the healing
balm applied to their diseased souls, have seen all their sins
washed away with the blood of God, their ransom paid and their
pardons sealed, will appreciate the astonishing love of Christ. This Puritan devotional has been
brought to you by Grace Gems, a treasury of ageless Sovereign
Grace writings. Please visit our website at www.gracegems.org,
where you can browse and freely download thousands of choice
books, sermons, and quotes, along with select audio messages. No
donations accepted. Thank you.
Broadcaster:
Grace Audio Treasures
Theology:
#Christology #Soteriology #Grace
More from David Harsha

Comments

0 / 2000 characters
Comments are moderated before appearing.

Be the first to comment!

More from David Harsha

A mystery of unfathomable love! May 2, 2025 · Ephesians 5:2; Galatians 2:20
The most amazing, most affecting, most melting sight that mortals ever witnessed! Aug 30, 2024 · 1 John 4:10; Romans 5:8
One more step, and his icy hand may lay hold of us! Apr 22, 2024 · 1 Corinthians 15; Ecclesiastes 1:4
Happy sickness Apr 3, 2024 · John 16:33; Psalm 119:67-75
Why? Mar 17, 2024 · John 19:30; Mark 15:34
View All 13 Sermons

Related Sermons

Puritan gems on the blessings of ADOPTION Puritan Gems · May 6, 2026
Deathbed salvation C. H. Spurgeon · May 5, 2026
Seasons of darkness and of storm C. H. Spurgeon · Apr 29, 2026
Holy Longings C. H. Spurgeon · Apr 27, 2026
The desperate wickedness of human nature J. C. Ryle · Apr 25, 2026

Same Scripture

Christ Died For Us Gary Shepard · Romans 5:8
The God of David Gary Shepard · Romans 4:6-8
Why This Cross? Kent Clark
Spurgeon's Morning and Evening - Aug 20 AM C. H. Spurgeon · 2 Samuel 23:1
David's terrible sin! A. W. Pink · Psalm 51; Romans 7

Suggested for You

Christ Died For Us Gary Shepard · May 27, 2012 · Romans 5:8
The God of David Gary Shepard · Jul 27, 2013 · Romans 4:6-8
Why This Cross? Kent Clark · Apr 9, 2017
Spurgeon's Morning and Evening - Aug 20 AM Charles Spurgeon · Aug 20, 1999 · 2 Samuel 23:1
David's terrible sin! Arthur W. Pink · Jun 27, 2009 · Psalm 51; Romans 7
Joshua

Joshua

Shall we play a game? Ask me about articles, sermons, or theology from our library. I can also help you navigate the site.

0:00 0:00