John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish… I. THE DIVINE LOVE — WHAT IT IS. 1. The essence of His nature. 2. All His attributes are modifications and manifestations of His love. 3. His law, the order of creation, the arrangement of His providence are expressions of His love. 4. Love is the ground of His perfect happiness. II. THE SPECIAL FRUIT OF THE DIVINE LOVE. IN THE GIFT OF CHRIST. 1. The origin of Christ's mission was the love of God. 2. God gave His Son. (1) In the councils of eternity. (2) In His birth in time. (3) In His death. 3. The relationship between the Father and the Son is the measure of the Divine love. (1) Not an exalted creature. (2) Not merely a Son. (3) Not His Son only by incarnation. (4) But His only begotten, well beloved, and everlasting Son. III. THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS GIFT. 1. Not the "elect" world, which God loves with the love of complacency. 2. But the sinful world, which He loves with the love of compassion. IV. THE OBJECT CONTEMPLATED IN THE BESTOWAL OF THIS GIFT. 1. To prevent dreadful evil. 2. To bestow unspeakable good. (A. Beith, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. |
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