For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.(John 3:16 – NET)
Many bible versions render the opening words of John 3:16 as “For God so loved the world”. Of course this is true, but the way that this is worded can confuse the primary meaning for some folks. When the bible says, “God so loved the world”, it is primarily speaking of the manner in which God loved the world. It is not simply that He loved the world “so much” as in the degree, but also the manner of that love, that He loved it in this way, that He gave His Son. John is emphasizing the manner in which He chose to express His love to the world, through the giving of His Son, which itself portrays the degree to which God loved the world as well.
Hebrews 11:17-18 uses the same Greek word for “only son” – Isaac wasn’t Abraham’s only son, but he was one of a kind, the heir. The Apostle John uses this word to differentiate Jesus from the other children of God (John 1:12). We are sons (children) of God by faith, but Jesus remains unique. 1 John 4:10 – In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
You see, you can love someone so very much but still not be able to help them overcome that problem they may have. Our love may be absolutely pure and sincere, and we may muster all the power we can, but it still not be enough to save someone from their situation. Yet God loves us so much and was and is able to overcome our greatest problem, our only problem in being reconciled to Him, our sin. And so in this way, through the giving of His Son Jesus Christ, God loves the world and whoever believes in Christ will be reconciled, redeemed, in right standing before God. They will not perish in eternity but have everlasting life. His love is enough.
6 comments:
If my love were able to achieve that, I certainly would have. But that wouldn't glorify God. So, I thank God that only His love has that ability. Although my flesh really wishes it could. I'm not sure I made sense to anyone but myself, but it helped me work it out by writing it.
Thank you for your blog JD. Your obedience in this will be rewarded.
Interesting that this subject was on my mind today around 3 a.m. And I posted part one on this subject today. May I use your picture? Here it is 10:42 and I am reading yours.
Thanks
Feel free brother, nice article of yours by the way...
His love is enough.
It is so very important to remind ourselves (and others) of this very fact. Worrying about and/or enabling someone or some thing does not help them (or us) at all. They easily become obsessions. This simply shows our mistrust in God Almighty and His ability to do things His way, in His time.
Prayer accomplishes so much more.
God is Righteous, no matter what.
God is Sovereign!
Good application honey...
Dan, I actually think I know right where you are coming from...
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