John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish… This affectionate compassion is set forth — I. BY COMPARISON OF THE PARTIES LOVING AND LOVED. God most high and holy loved the base and wicked world. II. BY THE MEASURE OF IT. He so loved, that is, so infinitely, so transcendently, so incomprehensibly (Hebrews 12:3). Such as cannot be sufficiently expressed or conceived (1 John 3:1). III. BY THE FRUIT OF HIS LOVE. It was no lip love, but a giving love. Yea, but some things are not worth the giving, therefore — IV. BY THE WORTHINESS OF THE EXIT — His only begotten Son. And that to stand in our stead, and to die on the cross for us (ver. 14). Yea, but though never so excellent a gift be given, yet if it be not of use and profit to whom it is given, it doth not so testify love. Therefore — V. It is set forth by THE BENEFIT THAT COMES TO US BY IT. 1. Not perishing. 2. Having eternal life. But perhaps though this gift brings so great profit, yet they to whom it is given must take some great and extraordinary pains to get it, and then God's love is not so great. Therefore — VI. It is set forth BY THE EASINESS OF THE MEANS whereby we are possessed of the profit of this gift, "That whosoever believeth." Yet if this so worthy a gift, of such invaluable worth to the enjoyer, had been restrained to some few sorts of men, the matter had not been so much. Therefore — VII. It is set forth BY THE UNIVERSALITY, that whosoever, be he what he will, so he will but reach forth his hand to take this gift, he shall have it, and all the comfort of it. (J. Dyke.) 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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