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 FOUNTAIN OF GRACE IN GOD'S UNSPEAKABLE LOVE. 1. object. The world: man in his corrupt and miserable state (John 5:19). 2. The act.. The love of God is — (1) The love of benevolence (Titus 3:4). (2) Of complacency (Psalm 11:7; John 16:27). 3. The degree — "So." We are not told how much. It is to be conceived rather than spoken of; admired rather than conceived.Observe from all this — 1. That love is at the bottom of all. We may give a reason for other things, but not for this love (Deuteronomy 7:7, 8; Matthew 11:26). 2. Love is visible in the progress and perfection of our salvation in Christ (Romans 5:8). Light is not more conspicuous in the sun. 3. If there were any other cause it must be either(1) in the merit of Christ; but this was the manifestation not the cause of God s love (1 John 3:16), or(2) in our worthiness; but this cannot be (1 John 4:10; Colossians 1:24).The uses of all this. 1. To confute all misapprehensions of God. Satan tempts us to view God as unlovely or to entertain unworthy thoughts of His mercy. But this shows us that He is fuller of love than the sea is of water. 2. To quicken our admiration of the love of God in Christ. Three things commend any favour done us. (1) The good will of the giver. (2) The greatness of the gift. (3) The unworthiness of the recipient. All concur here. 3. To exhort us — (1) To improve this love. It is an invitation to seek after God. (2) To answer it with a corresponding love. (3) As love was at the bottom of all grace, so let it be of all duty. II. THE WAY GOD TOOK TO EXPRESS HIS LOVE. There is a twofold giving of Christ. 1. For us (Romans 8:32). This mightily bespeaks God's love and care for our salvation. In creation God made us after His own image; in redemption Christ was made after ours. This was the most convenient way to bring about His purposes of grace — (1) That our faith might be more certain. (a) By His humanity He taught men by doctrine and example. (b) By His dying He satisfied the justice of God, and so made a way for the course of His mercy to us (Romans 3:25, 26). (c) By His resurrection, which was a visible satisfaction to the world that His sacrifice was accepted (Romans 4:25). (d) By His ascension the truth of eternal life was more confirmed. (2) That our hope might be confirmed, being built upon Christ's example and promises (1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:25; 12:26). (3) That our love to God may be more fervent. (4) That our obedience may be more ready (Hebrews 5:8, 9). 2. To us. (1) Without Christ there is no recovery of what we lost, viz., (a) The image of God. This is restored by Christ, who is the pattern (2 Corinthians 3:18) and author (Titus 3:5, 6). Till we are in Him we have not this great benefit (2 Corinthians 5:17). (b) The favour of God which Christ died to recover (2 Corinthians 5:17). (c) Fellowship with God (Genesis 3:24; el. Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16). (2) Without Christ there is no removal of our mlsery — the death and curse, involved in sin. Christ finds us where Adam left us (John 3:18). (3) Without Christ there is no obtaining our proper happiness. Man was made for God, and cannot be happy without Him (John 14:6; 1 John 5:11).The use of all this is — 1. To confute the world's opinion who measure God's love by outward things. 2. To excite us to bless God for Jesus Christ (Romans 7:25; 1 Corinthians 15:57). III. THE END OF THIS LOVE. Notice — 1. The connection of our duty and privilege. We believe: God gives. 2. The universality of the proposal. 3. The condition. 4. The benefits negatively and positively considered. (T. Manton, 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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