Skip to main content

Three Sixteen

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." (John 3:16 - 18)

What is the context?
In Theological College they often emphasised the importance of context when reading and applying scriptures. So the context is this: Everything was created by God. Jesus was the inspiration. He was at the beginning. There was harmony. The light was come into the world. But, the world didn't recognise him. (See Jn 1:1-3, 9). Humanity had a wonderful relationship with God and was appointed as earth's stewards. It was amazingly good. We had life (knowledge & experience of Him) purpose (stewardship of earth/creation) and choice (free will). (Gen 1:26-31) But, by humanity's choice this relationship was broken by rebellion. Amazingly good to amazingly bad. That story continues now in these verses.

John 3:16 is considered one of the most famous verses in the Bible. In the verse we find word of love, a benevolent Father and Son and a choice.

What is the object of God's love?
We the world are the object of God's love. His vast as oceans self-giving love.

What does he give?
He gives His Son. He gives Himself. In the words of Jesus "I and the Father are one." I don't subscribe to the notion that the Father turned His face away. Or if He did it would have been with tears of empathy and compassion, not in wrath or separation. Indeed even earthly Father's would also suffer if they sacraficed their son for others. The whole Trinity is concerned for us to be saved.

"Each of the three Persons in the blessed Trinity is concerned with our salvation: with the Father it is predestination; with the Son propitiation; with the Spirit regeneration. The Father chose us; the Son died for us; the Spirit quickens us."
- A. W. Pink (1886-1952)

Why the sacrafice?
To save us from our sin and rebellion and the inevitable consequences thereof.

What future will you choose?
You have free will, you have a choice. We all know all things are perishing. Those who don't believe are condemned already. It is like an illness that has spread to all humanity, but has a cure. The cure needs to be applied. The word perish means to be cut off from God. Without Jesus humanity is automatically condemned, cut off. With Jesus salvation is on offer. Instead of loss of life eternal life is on offer. His permanent presence. The ultimate cure. A gift and invitation from the giving reconciling Father is presented to you.

Belief is the pivot. (See Col 1:19,20). God desires all things are to be reconciled to Himself. Those who are in this new heaven and new earth have trusted in Christ alone for salvation and not in their own "righteousness." Choose life, choose Christ.



Comments

Post a Comment

What sayest thou?

Popular posts from this blog

Take Heart: A Catechism

Take Heart A Catechism By David Holdsworth  Authors Note: There are many good Catechisms available. But, somewhere along the line Christians in many parts of the church at large seem to have lost this age old practice of simple instruction in the format of questions and answers. In no way is this little contribution meant to take away from good Catechisms already written, but rather to be a compliment to them. This is a simple way for me to share the good news with others. It is my hope that you the reader or listener may find biblical help from the simplicity of the good news. I have included biblical proofs as standard so you may go and examine the scriptures (and indeed your heart) for yourself. Pax et Bonum. (1) Q. What comfort may be found for the believer? A. A heart that need not have trouble or fear. One that can rely on God in troubled times and that can glorify His name.  Proofs. John 14:27, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 50:15 (2) Q. What message does scriptures give to those st...
2 comments
Read more

My Neurodiversity Journey

  I am Autistic and that is OK: I was always considered shy, sometimes "painfully shy", then I did a personality test at church that stated I was also an INFJ Introvert. In time I discovered through other personality tests that I was also both a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and an Empath. It didn’t stop there though, during Covid I went to a Mental Health nurse who said I had Social Anxiety. Then I was finally diagnosed with what was once called Aspergers, High Functioning Autism, Level 1 Autism or Mild Autism. Generally these days it is known as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) due to the baggage other labels sometimes carry. I'm not sure where things go from here. It is a late diagnosis, but in a way explains so much. I don't believe this is a disorder, disease or demon. It is merely a difference, a neurodivergence. If people do wish to pray things away, may it be abelism in our society that they turn the fight against. Prayer for tools to manage life are certainly ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! 10 Things About Me I am autistic.   I am a follower of Jesus.  I am pro-peace.   I live in Scotland.   I like walking and nature.  I like writing free verse.  I work in an outdoor early years nursery.  I have a speciality in work with ASN.  I am not always right about things.  I am still learning.    
Post a Comment
Read more