0376. JOHN THREE SIXTEEN.

JOHN THREE SIXTEEN.

"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son," etc. (Joh_3:16).

The most familiar, and most comprehensive, yet most simple text in all the Bible.

I. The Origin of Redemption. "God so loved." The fountain-head of salvation is the love of God; not holiness, justice, power, or truth, but love. The outgoing of the heart of God in tenderest and abounding compassion (Joh_4:10).

II. The Object of Redemption. "The world." The ungodly world in all its wreck and ruin and unlovableness. A world nursed in the lap of the wicked one. A world so blind that it did not know its Maker when He came (1Jn_1:10).

III. The Plan of Redemption. "Gave His Son." This was love’s sacrifice to win back an alien world from the love of sin and power of the enemy. God, in planning redemption; planned that He Himself should provide the price. Such is grace. This great sacrifice could not be bought. It is the gift of God. "Behold the Lamb of God." God’s appointed Lamb alone could suffice to meet the world’s dire need.

IV. The Purpose of Redemption. "Should not Perish." Salvation. That the world through Him might be saved (Luk_11:17). He came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them (Luk_9:56). Jesus Christ does not only save souls, He saves lives. " To me to live is Christ."

V. The Extent of Redemption. "Whosoever." In this provision made by the sovereign grace of God there is ample satisfaction for all. This is no mock fountain with its imitation jugs and painted streams. Whosoever will may take the water of life freely (Rev_22:17).

VI. The Application of Redemption. "Whosoever believeth on Him." Faith is not the water, but it is the cup that hangs at the well by which you drink. There are many who believe after a fashion who are utterly destitute of salvation. It is not He that believeth only, but he that believeth in Him that hath everlasting life. The faith must be in the Son (Luk_11:36).

VII. The Result of Redemption. "Not perish, but have everlasting life."

Not perish like the old world, but have life, like Noah.

Not perish like the Sodomites, but have life, like Lot.

Not perish like the foolish builder, but have life, like the wise man.

Not perish like the rich man, but have life, like Lazarus.

Not perish like the devil, but have everlasting life, like Christ.

Autor: James Smith