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 DOCTRINE. "God so loved," etc. 1. The first cause of redemption — the love of God to man. Christ died not that God might, but because He did love us. (1) This is a doctrine distinctive of the Bible. You find it nowhere else. Men talk about the mercy of God, but if we give up the ideas of God obtained from the Scriptures how do we know that He is a God of love? What is there in nature to suggest it? There we see the reign of law: sin and suffer. (2) The presence of such a truth in the Bible forms one of the most powerful vindications of its authority. If it contained nothing different from other books we might reasonably question its Divine origin. (3) But familiarity has deadened the force and beauty of this great Bible truth in those who have heard it so often. (4) Here, however, is the marvel of marvels — standing alone in the universe — that God loves a race that has defied and insulted Him. 2. The mode of human redemption. God's love could not be a powerless thing dealing in fine sentiment and words of pity. It had a great end in view which could only be secured by an unparalleled sacrifice. "He gave His only begotten Son."(1) The designation of the Redeemer is peculiar and significant. Unlike other sons, He has a position of His own, and His name is an incidental but most powerful proof of His Divinity. (2) The Redeemer was "given," not to be a mere teacher or example, but to be the propitiation for sin. 3. The extent of human redemption. It would not be easy to find language more free and comprehensive than "the world .... whosoever." All are not saved, but none need be unpardoned. An universal need is here universally provided for. II. THE DUTY. God has lavished the love of His heart on us and requires the trust and love of ours. Nothing can be simpler or more common than trust, the child's first lesson and act. This is illustrated in the miracles of Christ. Only believe that Jesus has the will and the power to save and your confidence will not be disappointed. 1. Faith is different from knowledge. Yet there must be some knowledge. But there may be little knowledge and strong faith, and much knowledge and no faith. There are many well-instructed people who shrink from the thought of infidelity. Yet infidelity is the want of trust in God and Christ. Faith is the soul's own rest in Jesus as its own Redeemer. 2. The text makes no distinction in the kind or degree of faith. It is doubtless better to have a firm than a weak faith. Still, if a man have faith at all he will be saved. III. THE PROMISE. "Eternal life." 1. A present realization. 2. "More abundantly" hereafter. Of this the unbeliever is deprived in time and eternity. He that believeth not is dead already. (J. Guiness Rogers, B. A.) 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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