In Alexander MacLaren’s sermon The Cross the Proof by Alexander Maclaren | SermonIndex, the text he is preaching on is Romans 5:8 in which the apostle Paul says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 KJV) MacLaren says that the word “commendeth,” or commends, in the King James Version, means “proves,” and he will be talking throughout the sermon about how Jesus’ death on the cross proves God is love. It proves God’s love for us. The New International Version uses the word “proves” instead of “commends” and if you read verses 1-11, you will see that in this passage Paul is explaining that it is rare that a person would die for the sake of a righteous person, but God demonstrates His love for us in that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners…while we were still God’s enemies. Here is Romans 5:1-11 (NIV):
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we a have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we b boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we c also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Before going through the sermon, I want to share with you some study notes on three verses MacLaren is going to be talking about in his sermon. These notes help explain about how Jesus’ death on the cross was a demonstration of God’s love for us.
1. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16 NIV
“By this we know what love is.” This phrase introduces the concept of love as defined by the actions of Jesus Christ. In the biblical context, love is not merely an emotion but an action demonstrated through sacrifice. The Greek word for love here is “agape,” which signifies selfless, unconditional love. This sets the standard for Christian love, contrasting with the world’s often self-centered understanding of love.
“Jesus laid down His life for us.”…The act of laying down His life is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant. It also serves as the ultimate example of sacrificial love, a type of Christ’s role as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). (The word “type” is here used in the sense of this definition – type: a person or thing symbolizing or exemplifying the ideal or defining characteristics of something.)
The Cross: The event where Jesus laid down His life, serving as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice.
Brothers (and Sisters) in Christ: Fellow believers who are called to emulate Christ’s love in their relationships with one another.
Teaching Points
Understanding True Love
True love is defined by sacrifice, as demonstrated by Jesus. It is not merely an emotion but an action that often requires selflessness and humility.
Imitating Christ’s Sacrifice
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His sacrificial love. This may not always mean physical death but involves putting others’ needs before our own.
Practical Sacrifice
Consider what it means to “lay down our lives” in daily contexts—time, resources, and personal comfort can be offered in service to others.
Love as a Witness
Our love for one another serves as a testimony to the world of Christ’s love. It is a powerful witness that can draw others to faith.
What Does 1 John 3:16 Mean?
“By this we know what love is:” (1 John 3:16a)
• Love is not guessed at; it is revealed with certainty. Our standard is God’s own demonstration, not cultural opinion (cf. 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 5:8).
• The phrase “we know” reminds believers that the knowledge of love is objective and available to every Christian through Scripture’s clear testimony (cf. John 13:35).
• Love, therefore, is measurable by God’s action, removing every excuse for selfish definitions.
“Jesus laid down His life for us,” (1 John 3:16b)
• The Lord’s voluntary sacrifice defines love’s highest expression (cf. John 10:11, 18).
• “For us” underscores substitution—He took our place under divine justice (cf. Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• The Cross is not merely an inspiring story; it is the literal, historical act by which sins are atoned (cf. Hebrews 9:14; Philippians 2:8).
• Because the Gospel is factual and finished, our assurance is unshakable.
“and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16c)
• “Ought” moves the verse from information to obligation; the believer’s life must mirror the Savior’s (cf. John 15:12-13).
• While physical martyrdom may be required for some, the ordinary call is continual, tangible sacrifice that reflects Christ’s heart.
summary
Love is clearly defined by God, displayed in the literal, historical sacrifice of Jesus, and demanded of every follower. Knowing this, believers actively choose daily, costly service for one another, confident that in doing so they walk in the very footsteps of their Savior. 1 John 3 Berean Study Bible
So, the main concept to remember from the Berean Study Bible’s notes is that love is not merely an emotion but an action demonstrated through sacrifice. The action of Jesus dying on the cross was a demonstration of God’s love for us. Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate example of sacrificial love. Notice the contrast that is made here between God’s love and the world’s love. Agape love sets the standard for Christian love – it is selfless and unconditional. Whereas the world’s love is often self-centered.
Here are study notes from a few other commentaries on this verse:
Verse 16. – In this (verse 10; 1 John 2:3) we have come to know (have acquired and possess the knowledge of) love (what love is), in that he laid down his life for us. …… Cain is the type of hate; Christ, of love. (The word “type” means a person or thing symbolizing or exemplifying the ideal or defining characteristics of something. So, Cain exemplifies/symbolizes hate; Christ exemplifies/symbolizes love.) Cain took his brother’s life to benefit himself; Christ laid down his own life to benefit his enemies (see on John 10:12). This realized ideal of love we must imitate; ready to sacrifice ourselves, and even our lives, for the good of others. The effacement of another’s rights and perhaps existence for one’s own sake is the essence of hatred; the effacement of one’s self for another’s sake is the essence of love. Christ died for those who hated him; and the Christian must confront the hatred of the world with a love that is ready even to die for the haters.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
[Verse 16 shows] what true love to the brethren is, illustrated by the love of Christ to us.
Christ alone laid down His one life for us all; we ought to lay down our lives severally for the lives of the brethren; if not actually, at least virtually, by giving our time, care, labors, prayers, substance: Non nobis, sed omnibus. Our life ought not to be dearer to us than God’s own Son was to Him. The apostles and martyrs acted on this principle.
“Love itself” – its real nature, its power, its sacrifices, its influences – was seen in its highest form, when the Son of God gave himself to die on a cross. For an illustration of the sentiment, see the notes at John 3:16; John 15:13.
And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren – For the good of our fellow Christians, if it be necessary. That is, circumstances may occur where it would be proper to do it, and we ought always to be ready to do it……In what cases this should occur the apostle does not state; but the general principle would seem to be, that it is to be done when a greater good would result from our self-sacrifice than from carefully guarding our own lives…Thus, the Saviour laid down his life for the good of mankind; thus the apostles exposed their lives to constant peril in extending the principles of religion; and thus the martyrs surrendered their lives in the cause of the church and of truth. In like manner, we ought to be ready to hazard our lives, and even to lay them down, if in that way we may promote the cause of truth, and the salvation of sinners, or serve our Christian brethren. In what way this injunction was understood by the primitive Christians, may be perceived from what the world is reported to have said of them, “Behold, how they love one another; they are ready to die for one another.” – Tertullian, Apol. c. 39. So Eusebius (Eccl. HIsaiah 7.22) says of Christians, that “in a time of plague they visited one another, and not only hazarded their lives, but actually lost them in their zeal to preserve the lives of others.” We are not indeed to throw away our lives; we are not to expose them in a rash, reckless, imprudent manner; but when, in the discharge of duty, we are placed in a situation where life is exposed to danger, we are not to shrink from the duty, or to run away from it.
2. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9 NIV
I want to share with you some study notes for this verse. But first, here are the surrounding verses so that you can see the context of the verse:
God’s Love and Ours
“7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
13This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19We love because he first loved us. 20Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:7-21 NIV
Now, here are the study notes for verse 9:
“This is how God’s love was revealed among us:” The revelation of God’s love is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the tangible and personal nature of divine love. In the context of 1 John, the apostle John addresses a community facing false teachings, reminding them of the foundational truth of God’s love. The phrase “revealed among us” underscores the incarnation, where God’s love is made manifest in a way that is visible and experiential. This revelation is not abstract but is demonstrated in the historical event of Jesus Christ’s coming. The concept of revelation is also seen in other scriptures, such as John 1:14, where the Word becomes flesh, and in Romans 5:8, where God’s love is demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice.
“God sent His one and only Son into the world,” The sending of the “one and only Son” highlights the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus Christ. The term “one and only” (often translated as “only begotten”) signifies the special relationship between the Father and the Son, affirming the pre-existence and deity of Christ. This act of sending is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 9:6, which speaks of a child born to us, and Micah 5:2, which predicts the ruler from Bethlehem. The phrase “into the world” indicates the mission of Jesus, who enters a fallen world to bring redemption. This mission is echoed in John 3:16, where God’s love is expressed through the giving of His Son for the salvation of humanity.
“so that we might live through Him.” The purpose of Christ’s coming is life-giving, offering eternal life to those who believe. This life is not merely biological but spiritual and eternal, a theme prevalent in John’s writings (John 10:10, John 11:25-26). The phrase “live through Him” suggests a union with Christ, where believers participate in His life, death, and resurrection. This concept is further explored in Paul’s epistles, such as Galatians 2:20, where Paul speaks of being crucified with Christ and living by faith in Him. The life offered through Christ is a fulfillment of the promise of abundant life and is a stark contrast to the death brought by sin, as outlined in Romans 6:23.
The Purpose of Christ’s Coming
Jesus was sent so that we might have life, indicating a transformation from spiritual death to life.
“so that we might live through Him”
– God’s goal is life—true, abundant, eternal life (John 10:10).
– “Through Him” means Jesus is both the source and the channel. Apart from Him, we remain spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:4–5), but in Him we are made alive.
– 1 John 5:11–12 echoes the thought: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life.”
summary
1 John 4:9 shows love in motion: the Father intentionally sent His unique Son into our broken world, making divine love tangible. The purpose wasn’t merely to demonstrate affection but to secure life for us—life that flows only “through Him.” Believe, receive, and live in that love today.
Verse 9. – The verse is very similar to chapter 1 John 3:16, “in this” referring to what follows, and introducing a concrete and crucial example of love…… “In us” means “in our case,” and the whole may be paraphrased: “A transcendent manifestation of the love of God has been made in regard to us, in that he hath sent,” etc. The verse might serve as a summary of St. John’s Gospel. The word μονογενής as applied to Christ is peculiar to St. John; it and ζήσωμεν are the key-words of the passage. “This is love indeed; it is his only Son whom he has sent, and he has sent him to give us life.” Note the double article – “his Son, yes, his Only Begotten.”
3. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV
“But God proves His love for us in this:” This phrase emphasizes the initiative and action of God in demonstrating His love. The use of “proves” indicates a definitive and undeniable action. In the biblical context, God’s love is not just a feeling but is demonstrated through actions. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God’s love is consistently shown through His deeds, such as the deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 14) and the provision of the law (Deuteronomy 7:9). Theologically, this phrase underscores the concept of grace, where God’s love is given freely and unconditionally, not based on human merit.
“While we were still sinners,” This highlights the state of humanity at the time of God’s action. The term “sinners” refers to those who are in rebellion against God, a condition that has existed since the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). The phrase “still sinners” indicates that God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice were not contingent upon human righteousness or repentance. This is consistent with the doctrine of original sin, which posits that all humans are born into sin (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23). The cultural context of the time viewed sin as a separation from God, and this phrase emphasizes that reconciliation was initiated by God despite this separation.
“Christ died for us.” This is the central tenet of Christian faith, encapsulating the doctrine of atonement. The death of Christ is seen as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system (Leviticus 16) and prophecies such as Isaiah 53, which speaks of the suffering servant. The phrase “for us” indicates substitutionary atonement, where Christ took the place of sinners, bearing the punishment that was due to them (1 Peter 2:24). Historically, crucifixion was a Roman method of execution, reserved for the most serious offenses, which underscores the gravity of Christ’s sacrifice. This act is seen as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
summary
Romans 5:8 declares that the holy God personally intervened, demonstrating unearned, sacrificial love through Christ’s death on the cross while humanity was still lost in sin. The verse anchors assurance, silences self-reliance, and calls every believer to rest in the completed, objective work of Jesus as the definitive proof of God’s unfailing love.
I hope these study notes helped explain how Jesus’ death on the cross was a demonstration, or proof, of God’s love to us. I will stop here for today and we will keep talking about this in my next post when we go through MacLaren’s sermon “The Cross the Proof.”
Links:
Learning to Live by Faith 
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