I have often heard it said, �If I had
been the only person on the earth, Jesus
would still have died for me.� Although our
Lord could have given his life for just one
person, it most certainly would not have
been because that person was so valuable,
but because God was so gracious. Such an
occurrence should hardly, therefore, be
regarded as a source of pride or selfesteem.
For me to argue that Jesus would
have died for me if I were the only person
on earth simply indicates that my sins
alone, without the rest of you contributing
your share, were sufficient to demand the
severe punishment Jesus Christ vicariously
assumed in my place. When faced with that
reality, we ought to weep for the selfless
sacrifice of our Lord instead of finding in
it one more opportunity for feeling good
about ourselves.9
� Dan Matzat
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