“I’m Saved, So I’m Safe.” Is God’s Love Really Unconditional?
This is the second blog in a series entitled, Playing King of the Mountain with God. We’re exploring why we Christians would risk disobeying God, which is in effect, saying to him, “ I know what’s best for me.” It’s an attempt to be co-king at least.
When I came to faith over 30 years ago, I was told that because of the cross, all my sins, past, present and future were now forgiven. I’m saved, so I’m safe from the judgment. Putting it crassly, I figured, “because of Jesus, God the Father can no longer touch me!”
Oddly, that notion led me in two opposite directions, almost simultaneously. In the same day, I’d feel such gratitude to Jesus, for my salvation that I literally burst into tears with joy. An hour latter I’d do or think some sinful thing, generally with some guilt, but no real fear of God, because his love for me was “unconditional.”
Is God’s Love Unconditional?
“God’s love for us is unconditional. It never changes regardless of what we do or don’t do.” I recently heard a pastor I respect a lot make that statement on the radio, and I’ve heard variations of it all my Christian life. But is it true?
I had the same misgivings when I read this quote from the bestselling book, Jesus Calling. (A book I do like by the way.) Here’s a portion of the reading for December 26. In it, the author assumes the voices of Jesus and says, “I am the Gift that continuously gives – bounteously, with no strings attached. Unconditional love is such a radical concept that even my most devoted followers fail to grasp it fully. Absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth can cause me to stop loving you. You may feel more loved when you are performing according to your expectations. But my love for you is perfect; therefore it is not subject to variation.”
Both of these quotes leave the distinct impression that God doesn’t love us or like us any differently whether we’re good or bad. Is that really true? If it is, it may be an explanation why so many Christians are behaving badly – thankful for God’s love, but without any fear of him at all.
Is that really the God of the Bible?
When I came to faith over 30 years ago, I was told that because of the cross, all my sins, past, present and future were now forgiven. I’m saved, so I’m safe from the judgment. Putting it crassly, I figured, “because of Jesus, God the Father can no longer touch me!”
Oddly, that notion led me in two opposite directions, almost simultaneously. In the same day, I’d feel such gratitude to Jesus, for my salvation that I literally burst into tears with joy. An hour latter I’d do or think some sinful thing, generally with some guilt, but no real fear of God, because his love for me was “unconditional.”
Is God’s Love Unconditional?
“God’s love for us is unconditional. It never changes regardless of what we do or don’t do.” I recently heard a pastor I respect a lot make that statement on the radio, and I’ve heard variations of it all my Christian life. But is it true?
I had the same misgivings when I read this quote from the bestselling book, Jesus Calling. (A book I do like by the way.) Here’s a portion of the reading for December 26. In it, the author assumes the voices of Jesus and says, “I am the Gift that continuously gives – bounteously, with no strings attached. Unconditional love is such a radical concept that even my most devoted followers fail to grasp it fully. Absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth can cause me to stop loving you. You may feel more loved when you are performing according to your expectations. But my love for you is perfect; therefore it is not subject to variation.”
Both of these quotes leave the distinct impression that God doesn’t love us or like us any differently whether we’re good or bad. Is that really true? If it is, it may be an explanation why so many Christians are behaving badly – thankful for God’s love, but without any fear of him at all.
Is that really the God of the Bible?
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