Bible Commentaries
Galatians 2

Verse 20

A PRECIOUS INHERITANCE

‘Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.’

Galatians 2:20

I. Whom He loved.—Mark the expression, ‘Who loved me.’ Not my sins. No; He looked upon all these with righteous and holy abhorrence. He hated all these things, but He loved me—He loved my soul.

II. What proof did He give of this?—The Apostle answers, ‘He loved me, and gave Himself for me.’ Oh wondrous gift! He gave not His kingdom, not His crown, not His glory, not His boundless wealth! He gave up these indeed, but—marvellous grace—‘He gave Himself!’

III. Do you need encouragement to come to Jesus?—Then here it is. Perhaps you look back on your past life and see it stained with crimes of the deepest dye. You see sins the very thought of which suffuses your countenance with a blush. You see sins against light, wilful sins, secret sins, open sins—a multitude that no man can number, rising like a mountain to your view, and you are ready to exclaim, ‘Can God love me? Impossible!’ Yes, He does; He loves you. He hated all these things, but He loved you, and loves you still. ‘He loved you, and gave Himself for you.’ Come, then, to that Saviour, and let nothing keep you back.

Rev. F. Whitfield.

Illustration

‘Why am I not in hell—a lost soul—in the outer darkness? What answer is there but this?—“He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Why was I called by grace, and led to the Cross? “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Why have I been brought back so many times when I have wandered, and been lifted up when I had fallen? “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Why have I had so many answers to prayer? “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Why has God ever used me to do the least thing for Him? “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Why has He promised to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day? “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Why are you here? they will ask in Paradise. “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.” ’