As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 16 of Chapter 3. John 3:16 may very well be the most memorized, and most quoted verse in the Bible. And rightfully so in my opinion, because this verse brings to focus, and sums up, ‘The Gospel’. ‘The Good News’ to mankind. It says:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting Life.” (John 3:16)
When God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,” (Genesis 1:26), He did so to make us to be like Him, and to fellowship with Him. He made mankind to be an extension of Himself, just as our children of the flesh are like us. God made us to love, and to be like Him who IS love. (1 John 4:8) He gave us free will, knowing in His divine omniscience what it would cost Him, but knowing this is what was necessary for our love for Him and each other to manifest itself because we ‘choose’ to Love.
We know the story of the fall of man, and the resulting horrors. We know the struggle of mankind to live this life doing it their way without God. We have seen the results of mankind taking “religion” to slap each other around with while using the fear of God to manipulate and control. We have seen wars fought, nations destroyed, and terror perpetrated upon millions all in the name of God – or in some cases trying to stamp out the name of God declaring. “there is no God”. But the Good News is – HE IS.
I have mentioned to you before that my Mother-in-law had some beautiful experiences before she went to be with our Lord. While my wife was in her room she talked of seeing some of those in her room who had gone on before her, and about those who had come to take her home telling her they would carry her when she told them she was too tired to go, but the main thing she wanted to let everyone know was this fact: She said tell everyone, “THE LORD IS.” And He ‘Is’. He IS the “I AM” who sent Moses to set free the children of Israel who were in bondage, and could not set themselves free. He ‘is’ the One who sent Jesus (Which means Salvation) to become a Son of Man, born in the flesh like you and me, while maintaining His position of Son of God because God is His Father, to do the work that natural man could not do. He took the sins of every person that ever lived or ever will live upon Himself and became the perfect sacrifice to clear the sins of man from the fall. (Hebrews 10:14)
Here is the bottom line. “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for All people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for All people.” (Romans 5:18)
The price was paid for all by the shed blood of Jesus. Son of Man, Son of God. And whosoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.
So simple. So Beautiful. So much Love. May we believe it, and receive it.
,
It is Undeserved Grace. It is Unmerited Favor. Thank You, Father. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Thank You for Your Love. We love You.
Poppa B.