Overview:
Why would Jesus choose to leave His position in heaven to dwell among us? What would possibly compel Him to break into history … knowing full well that His birth would ultimately lead to rejection and even crucifixion? The answers to these questions help us understand the profound meaning of Christmas … and why it’s unlike any other holiday. And today on INSIGHT FOR LIVING, we’re giving our full attention to this shocking expression of sacrificial love. We’ll begin by reading two passages from the New Testament before hearing Chuck Swindoll’s sermon about GOD’S ASTONISHING LOVE …
Message Summary:
In “God’s Astonishing Love,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the shocking and sacrificial nature of God’s love as demonstrated through the Incarnation and the Cross. Why would the Creator of the universe choose to leave the pristine glory of heaven to dwell among a rebellious humanity? Swindoll answers this by focusing on the “astonishing” quality of divine love—a love that does not wait for us to become worthy, but instead breaks into history to rescue us while we are still “weak” and “ungodly.” This message reframes the meaning of Christmas as the ultimate expression of a love that is unlike anything found in the human experience.
Message Key Facts:
- The “Why” of the Incarnation: Christ’s entry into history was motivated entirely by a love that sought the benefit of others at an infinite cost to Himself.
- Love for the Unworthy: Unlike human love, which often seeks an attractive or deserving object, God’s love is directed toward the “weak,” “sinners,” and “enemies.”
- The Certainty of the Cross: Jesus did not break into history by accident; He came knowing full well that His birth would lead to rejection and crucifixion.
- The Definition of Reconciliation: Through Christ’s death, the “war” between a holy God and sinful man is ended, replaced by a status of peace and joy.
- A Unique Holiday: Christmas is distinct because it celebrates a gift that was not earned, but was sovereignly provided by grace to those who could never repay it.
Message References:
1. Our Desperate Condition (Romans 5:6, 8, 10)
Swindoll highlights the three descriptions Paul uses for humanity before Christ intervened:
- Helpless (Weak): We were utterly incapable of saving ourselves or keeping God’s law.
- Unholy (Ungodly/Sinners): We were not only weak but actively missing the mark of God’s righteousness.
- Hostile (Enemies): We were spiritually at odds with our Creator, making the move for peace entirely dependent on Him.
2. God’s Astonishing Demonstration (Romans 5:7–8)
Human love has its limits—perhaps one might die for a “good” person. But God’s love transcends human logic.
- The Shock of the Timing: God didn’t wait for us to clean up our lives; He proved His love “while we were yet sinners.”
- The Breaking into History: The Nativity was the physical “break-in” of eternal love into a temporal, sin-sick world.
3. The Result of the Rescue (Romans 5:9–11)
The death of Christ accomplished more than just a sentimental gesture; it achieved a legal and relational transformation.
- Saved from Wrath: Because of the blood of Christ, believers are shielded from the future judgment of sin.
- Exulting in God: The result of this love is not just a “pass” into heaven, but a present, joyful relationship with God.
4. The Response to Sacrificial Love
The message concludes by reflecting on the only appropriate response to such a gift.
- Acceptance: Realizing that you cannot earn this love—you can only receive it with a grateful heart.
- Transformation: Allowing the “astonishing” nature of God’s love to melt the hardness of pride and replace it with humility and worship.
