Romans 5:5 And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. I. THE LOVE OF GOD IS HIS LOVE TO US. The fact that we are the objects of a love which embraces all the creatures of God would not be ground of hope. But this love is — 1. Special. It stands opposed to wrath, and includes reconciliation and Divine favour, and secures to us all the benefits of redemption. 2. Infinitely great. It led to the gift of God's Son. 3. Gratuitous. It is not founded on our character, but was exercised towards us when sinners. 4. Immutable. If founded on anything in us it would continue no longer than our attractiveness continued: but flowing from the mysterious fulness of the Divine nature it cannot change. II. THIS LOVE IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS: i.e., We have a full conviction and assurance that we are its objects. There might be a conviction that God is love, and that His love toward some men is infinitely great, and that it is gratuitous and unchangeable, and yet we might remain in the blackness of despair. It is only when we are assured that we are its objects that we have a hope which sustains and renders blessed. III. WE KNOW THAT WE ARE THE OBJECTS OF THIS LOVE. 1. Not simply because God loves all men. 2. Nor because we see in ourselves effects of regeneration and the evidences of holiness; for — (1) This love was prior to regeneration. (2) Holiness is the fruit of the assurance of it. 3. But by the Holy Ghost. How we cannot tell, and it is unreasonable to ask. We might as well ask how He produces faith, peace, joy, or any other grace. It is enough to say negatively that it is not — (1) By exciting our love to God, whence we infer His love to us: the order is the reverse. Nor — (2) By simply opening our eyes to see what a wonderful display of love is made in redemption: for that we might see and yet suppose ourselves excluded. IV. THE PROOF THAT WE ARE NOT DELUDED IS THIS MATTER IS TO BE FOUND IN THE EFFECTS OF THIS CONVICTION. 1. The effects of such a conviction when unfounded are seen in the Jews, Papists, and Antinomians, and are — (1) Pride. (2) Malignity. (3) Immorality. 2. When produced by the Holy Ghost the effects are — (1) Humility. Nothing so bows down the soul as a sense of undeserved love. (2) The tenderest concern for those who are not thus favoured, and an earnest desire that they may share our blessedness. (3) Love to God. Love begets love: and our love to God is mingled with admiration, wonder, gratitude, and zeal for His glory. (4) Obedience. (C. Hodge, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. |
    |