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. SIN IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING IN THE UNIVERSE. 1. It is the violation of an infinitely important law — a law designed and adapted to secure the highest good of the universe. 2. As sin is this it cannot be treated lightly. The entire welfare of a government and its subjects turns upon obedience. 3. The law of God must not be dishonoured by anything He shall do. He must stand by it to retrieve its honour. 4. Hence the expense. Either the law must be executed at the expense of the race, or God must suffer the worse results of disrespect to His law, or a substitute be provided who shall both save the sinner and honour the law. II. HOW SHALL THE EXPENSE BE MET? Who shall head the subscription? The Father made the first donation. 1. He gave His Son to make the atonement due to law. 2. He gave His Spirit to take charge of this work. III. FOR WHOM WAS THE GREAT DONATION MADE? By the "world" cannot be meant any particular part. The Bible and the nature of the case shows that the atonement must have been made for the whole. Otherwise no man could be sure that it was made for himself. IV. WHAT PROMPTED GOD TO MAKE IT? Love. This love is — 1. Not complacency, or it would have been infinitely disgraceful to Himself. 2. Not mere feeling, as in those who are carried away by strong emotion. But — 3. Disinterested: for He had nothing to hope or fear; no profit to make out of the saved. 4. Zealous. 5. Most self-denying. 6. Universal because particular. God loved each, therefore all. 7. Most patient. V. THE GIFT OF GOD MUST BE RECEIVED BY FAITH. This is the only possible way, God's government is moral because the Saviour is a moral agent. Therefore God cannot influence us unless we give Him our confidence. Lessons: 1. Sinners may place themselves beyond the reach of mercy. 2. This involves them in the greatest responsibility. 3. This responsibility can only be discharged and the sinner saved by accepting the donation of Christ. 4. Accepting that donation let us give it to others. (C. G. Finney, 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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