The LOVE of Christ
John 3:16 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.”
Okay ladies…let’s get into it (or gentleman…all are welcome).
We are going to break this verse down into words, dissect the word and the meaning and gain a deeper understanding of just how thorough God is (when he speaks, stand at attention; this is in red)
#one
so Loved : When you look up love in the Strong’s Concordance, there are so many different passages, references, and instructions. For this particular scripture we referenced Titus 3:3-7 KJV (go there now, remember we’re studying). Christ showed his love through sacrificial action, by loving us even when we were in our sins and separated from him. This mercy, this grace, this love, is in spite of… Think about what that means and finish the sentence. Whatever you can think of that disqualifies you for this love…think again. There is NOTHING that can separate you from His love (that’s not us talking either… this ain’t opinion) Romans 8:38 KJV.
#two
World: The word world in Greek is ‘Kosmos’ referring to the universe or the whole of creation. In relation to this scripture, John 3:16, the whole of creation. All of his creation…God loves all of us with an unwavering love.
#three
Gave: 1. To freely transfer the possession of something or someone; hand over to. 2. cause or allow (someone or something) to have
This is to highlight that this action was done freely of Himself, of His choice, His decision. He saw that it was good. (Isaiah 53:10 ‘It pleased God to bruise Him’) God chose to sacrifice freely for us. When you think of Calvary and him on the cross….this is Agape.
#four
begotten Son: Begat is defined as to bring something into being. Isaiah 59:16 KJV explains that God looked, and found no one that could intercede on our behalf. We were lost, and there was no man who could save us. Because he loved us so, he stretched forth his own arm (begat Jesus Christ) so that we could be saved.
>Let’s back up a little. The scripture specifies “his only begotten Son” Therefore, there is only ONE. His name is Jesus Christ.
#five
Believeth: So to have absolute clarity of scripture, Believers are defined as those who hath received Christ. When you say I believe there is a God, or I believe in God but do not believe in his Son, you are not considered a Believer or someone who “believeth”. In the strong concordance it gives examples of converted believers: Acts 5:14. These were people who saw the miracles of God through Peter and believed. 1 Timothy 4:10-12 KJV gives examples of how believers conduct themselves (Yesssss, we different!…and yes, you will be able to tell!).
#six
Perish: To be destroyed violently. To be candid (transparency is key) this world will come to an end, and the destruction of it will be violent. (again, not our opinion Isaiah 13:9-11 KJV)
Hebrews 1:11. We referenced this scripture for reassurance. It explains that yes the world will perish, but those that believeth shall remain. This is the confidence that we have in our redemption…that Christ is faithful and that we will live on through him.
God’s promise to us is conditional:
If we believe, then we shall not perish.
This is important because it requires action of us. Hebrews 11:6 KJV explains that without faith it is impossible to please God. Have Faith sisters (and brothers). Remember that God loves you…so much that he sent his Son to die for you, so that you may live. Continue to strive.
with Love,
-Sister on Sundays
*KJV - Kings James Version