“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief” (1 Tim. 1:5)

The reason why “hope does not disappoint” is “because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:5). Note that it does not say love for God, but the love of God.

What is the love of God? “This is the love of God, that we should keep His commandments” (1 Jn. 5:3). The Holy Spirit, then, puts into our hearts obedience to the law of God; and it is that which gives us boldness in the day of judgment, and at all other times. It is sin that makes us afraid. When sin is taken away, then fear is gone. “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Pro. 28:1).

“This man receives sinners” (Lk. 15:2). Strange that people will allow a sense of their sinfulness to keep them away from the Lord, when Christ came for the one purpose of receiving and saving them. He is “able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him” (Heb. 7:25); and He says that those who comes to Him He “will by no means cast out” (Jn. 6: 37).

It was when we were still without strength that Christ died for the ungodly (Rom. 5:6), because He died for the purpose that we might be strengthened with might by the Spirit. If He waited for us to gain some strength before giving Himself for us, then we should be lost. When were we without strength? Just now; and even now Jesus Christ is set forth “evidently crucified” among us (Gal. 3:1 KJV). “Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength” (Isa. 45:24).

Waggoner, Waggoner on Romans, pp.95,96