In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
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Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
we did not love Him first: for to this end loved He us, that we may love Him: And sent His Son to be the Atoner for our sins: litatorem, i.e. one that sacrifices. He sacrificed for our sins. Where did He find the sacrifice? Where did He find the victim which he would offer pure? Other He found none; His own self He offered.
