John 3:16
For in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life
John 3:16 is grammatically an indicative statement (a declaration of fact) rather than an imperative (a command) This is vital to understanding the meaning behind this word of God. This verse begins with the words “for this reason” So what is the reason???? The author, the Holy Spirit, is telling us to look back at the previous text and remember what He has already said.
First The Identity of the Son “He gave his only Son” John 1:1–3 establishes that Jesus is the eternal, uncreated God (“the Word was God”) through whom all things were made. When John 3:16 speaks of God giving His Son, John 1:11–14 shows the weight of this gift: He entered a fallen creation that did not recognize Him.
Secondly we learn how Sovereign regeneration takes place “Whoever believes” John 1:12–13 explicitly defines who has the right to become children of God: “born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” This exact phrase is used to interpret the “whoever believes” (pas ho pisteuōn) of John 3:16. Faith is not generated by an independent human will (“the will of man”), but is the direct result (fruit, not the cause) of being born of God.
Thirdly, human inability will not shine brighter than the love of God. (“Should not perish”) John 1:5 states, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Later, John 1:10-11 notes that Jesus came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. We all deserve the just punishment of separation from God however because of the immense love and by the Grace of God He makes a way for all who believe!
This is the promise, it is so simple a kid can understand it, but so profound and weighty it can sink the Titanic. Some,if not all, can say “I believe, help my unbelief” It really is too good of news not to share!
God becomes flesh for us!
God takes on sin for us!
God dies for us!
God is raised for us!
God makes a home for us!
Rest knowing your salvation is secure in the savings work of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God!!
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