GOD SO LOVES THE WORLD…really?

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16.

This is probably one of the best known verses from the Bible. In fact, I would dare to say that it has become rote in many people’s minds, and that is a shame. No. That is tragic. This verse is, without any doubt, the most significant prophetic and spiritual oracles from God. It is, as they say, ‘a game changer’ for all of humanity. So, let’s get a few things straight.

John 3:16 can be read and understood on several levels. First, on a personal level. Most people see this as saying that God loves “ME” so much that He was willing to sacrifice His Son in order to somehow, in some mysterious and incomprehensible way, negate all my sins. Why is this? Because God says that the penalty of sin is death. If you see this in a natural way, it’s silly because we all die physically, but He is talking about a spiritual death. Even then, the Bible goes on to say that spiritual death is really a separation from God (and heaven) and an eternal punishment in “the lake of fire”, also known as Hell. But wait. God knew ahead of time, as did Jesus, that He (Jesus) would not remain dead. He rose from the dead. So, what kind of sacrifice, what kind of “gift”, (i.e., the “gift of salvation), is offered and then reversed? If you see this in the natural, in the “ME” sort of way, it makes no sense – that is, unless you just want to live in the fog of mystery. (I believe this is why so many people begin to doubt their salvation at some point and why so many others “fall away from the faith”).

It could also be understood on an emotional level. Stirring the emotions of people is one of the most powerful tools of preachers to get someone to “confess Jesus” in a little “sinner’s prayer” and “accept Jesus” into their heart. This also makes little-to-no-sense Biblically speaking. But, it does add a member to the roles of the church and gets the tithing machine going. Not to be too critical here, because this has seen success for those who hang in there long enough to “really get saved”. The problem here is that we “accept” Jesus? Just that though that we give the God of all creation “permission” to inhabit us is ludicrous. Contrary to what the ‘little sinner’s prayer’ says, the Bible says, to be saved we must believe in Him, which encompasses forsaking our current life, our own way of living, thinking and behaving and conform to the ways and teachings of Jesus. We must “die to self”, sellout to the Gospel and to Jesus and become His disciple, friend and servant.

How does “accepting Jesus” and allowing Him into hour heart square with the Bible when it says that “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize].” This is saying that the one who truly finds God will, spiritually speaking, “pursue the kingdom with determination and zeal, overcoming obstacles and opposition. This aligns with the idea of spiritual warfare, where believers must be proactive in their faith. Theologically, it underscores the cost of discipleship and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity, as seen in passages like Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Timothy 6:12. (see BibleHub.com)

And my most favorite (to dislike) is that this verse can be understood on a philosophical level. This is for the poetic mind. The one with an imagination. The dreamer.

Much like the lyrics from Midnight Cowboy:

 

 

Everybody’s talking at me
I don’t hear a word they’re saying
Only the echoes of my mind

People stopping, staring
I can’t see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes

I’m going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes

Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone

Wah, wah wah-wah wah
Wah-wah wah-wah, wah wah-wah
Wahhh

(This is how some poetic dreamers visualize being saved. So sad).

Or even the lyrics from the song The Joker:

People talk about me, baby
Say I’m doin’ you wrong, doin’ you wrong
Well, don’t you worry, baby, don’t worry
‘Cause I’m right here, right here, right here, right here at home

‘Cause I’m a picker, I’m a grinner
I’m a lover and I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker, I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I sure don’t want to hurt no one

I’m a picker, I’m a grinner
I’m a lover and I’m a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I’m a joker, I’m a smoker
I’m a midnight toker
I get my loving on the run

Whoo-ooh, ooh-ooh
Whoo-ooh, ooh-ooh

(This is how some poetic dreamers visualize being saved. So dumb. So sad. So dead.).

The philosophical approach to the Gospel and to salvation and to John 3:16 is a sure fire miss. And “missing the mark” (which is the actual definition of sinning) is deadly.

John 3:16, ”For God (the omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent maker and Creator of the worlds, the cosmos and over every living thing), so loved the world (kosmos) that He gave (didomi – of one’s own accord to give one something, to his advantage; to bestow, give as a gift that is never taken back), His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life”.

This verse must be read and understood as the prophetic Word of God. It is the very breath of God, the Flesh and Blood of Jesus. It is all about God and about Jesus, and yes, men and women must actively and aggressively storm the gates of heaven, so-to-speak, in order to obtain it. In other words, do all you must do and all that you can do so God will do only what He can do so that you will not perish, but have eternal life.

 Isaiah 55:8-13 reminds us, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

And do not return there without watering the earth </mh3588,>

And making it produce and sprout,

And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire, 

And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.

“For you will go out with joy

And be led in peace;

The mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you,

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

“Instead of the thorn bush, the juniper will come up,

And instead of the stinging nettle, the myrtle will come up;

And it will be a memorial to the LORD,

An everlasting sign which will not be eliminated.”

God is not our “buddy”. He is an awesome God and greatly to be feared (Psalm 89:7). We must approach Him in reverence and awe. Yet He is a merciful, loving God and He loves us with an indescribable, unfathomable, unending love. So much so that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PS:  Jesus is our Friend and Brother. And He is much more than that – so very much more.

He is The…

1. Almighty One –“…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8.
2.  Alpha and Omega – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:13.
3.  Advocate – “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1.
4. Author and Perfecter of Our Faith –“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
5.  Authority –“Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew. 28:18.
6.  Bread of Life –“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35.
7.  Beloved Son of God – “And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17.
8.  Bridegroom –“And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:15.
9.  Chief Cornerstone –“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” Psalm 118:22..
10. Deliverer – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10
11. Faithful and True – “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Revelation19:11.
12. Good Shepherd –“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11.
13. Great High Priest – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Hebrews 4:14.
14. Head of the Church – “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22.
15. Holy Servant – “…and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30.
16. I Am – “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58.
17. Immanuel –“…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Is. 7:14.
18. Indescribable Gift – “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15.
19. Judge – “…he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10:42.
20. King of Kings – “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14.
21. Lamb of God – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.
22. Light of the World – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
23. Lion of the Tribe of Judah – “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5.
24. Lord of All – “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11.
25. Mediator – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5.
26. Messiah – “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41.
27. Mighty One –“Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Is. 60:16.
28. One Who Sets Free – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36
29. Our Hope –“…Christ Jesus our hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1.
30. Peace – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Ephesians 2:14.
31. Prophet – “And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4.
32. Redeemer – “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25.
33. Risen Lord – “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians. 15:3-4.
34. Rock – “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4.
35. Sacrifice for Our Sins –“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10.
36. Savior – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.
37. Son of Man –“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10.
38. Son of the Most High – “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” Luke 1:32.
39. Supreme Creator Over All – “By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.…” Col. 1:16-17.
40. Resurrection and the Life –“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25.
41. The Door – “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9.
42. The Way –“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
43. The Word –“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1.
44. True Vine – “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1.
45. Truth –“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32.
46. Victorious One – “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21.
47. – 50. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.