The love of God for mankind – No greater love than this!
Text: “16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[a] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Scripture: Hebrews 2:16-18
Introduction: One verse of the Bible that is well-known by all is found in the Gospel of John “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. That verse presents the profound love and the plan of rescue of a holy God toward a lost and rebellious world from an eternity in hell. It was a costly endeavor for a self-sufficient God. He had to leave his kingdom, his glory and his throne to come down to a very hostile place. As God, He is omniscient. He knew in advance what kind of bad reception that He was going to receive from the people He wanted to save. Nevertheless, his love pressed on. The question during that season is: Why does God love mankind so much?
A. The fall of Lucifer and the multitude of angels Isaiah 14:12-14
To fully comprehend the love of God for mankind (us), we have to remember that we are not the only created being of God. From eternity past, God had created the angels in order to serve and glorify Him. He placed Lucifer (Shinning one, light-bearer) as the leader of all the angels. He was in charge of the “Praise Team.” But, at certain time of his existence, Lucifer felt like God didn’t deserve all these glories. He had decided to give God a Coup-d’état. Listen to the plan of Lucifer: “For you have in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I WILL BE LIKE THE MOST HIGH (God)” V.13-14
- As a consequence of Lucifer’s action, 1/3 of the angels associated him were condemned to spend eternity in hell, with no hope of redemption. It is believed that there are more angels than men. But, their action was so horrible that God didn’t want them in his presence any longer, eternally.
B. The fall of man Genesis 3:5-7
In Eden, Adam and Eve had allied themselves with Lucifer against God. Their rebellion was no different than what Lucifer had done. Adam and Eve wanted to be like God, in order words, they wanted to be “gods.” During the conversation, Lucifer made Eve a promise of deification. “For God knows that in the day you eat of the fruit your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Gen.2:5
- The idea that a creature wants to raise himself to God-like stature is unacceptable by the Creator (God). By so doing, Adam and his descendants should know the same consequences as Lucifer and the fallen angels. However, God has special love for man created at His image.
C. The love of God for mankind Hebrews 2: 16-18
Contemplating such love, the Author of the Epistle to the Jews makes that great declaration: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You take care of him?” Heb. 2:6
- Christ, the rescuer of men not angels Heb. 2:16
Even though God wasn’t pleased by the action of Adam and Eve, his love was in action in Eden after their sin. The first sacrifice was made; blood was shed to cover the iniquity of the first couple. “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” Gen. 3: 21.There is no place in the Bible that we see God lifts a finger to do anything for Lucifer and the fallen angels.
However, after all the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament that couldn’t truly take care of the sins of men, God had decided to incarnate to offer mankind throughout the world a permanent solution. Jesus was born immaculate, in order to save us from eternal damnation. Through Christ, man reconciles with a holy God. He came down to satisfy the holiness of God in our behalf.
- Christ, our propitiator Heb. 2:17
In that verse, Christ doesn’t only save us from our past sins before we had a relationship with God, but the mission of cleansing is permanent. “…He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Heb. 2:17
What does God see in us for Him to love us so much? NOTHING!!!
Conclusion: The rejection of such a love is a great danger upon mankind. Many groups want to make their own way to heaven. They have rejected the offer of God, which is Christ Jesus, the only way, the only truth and the only giver of eternal life. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed by those who heard Him” Hebrews 2:3 The message is that: “God so love the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. There is no greater love than this!