The Gospel in Miniature
February 5, 2019
February 5, 2019
Read: John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (v. 16)
Even in this era of biblical illiteracy, when almost half of those responding to a recent survey identified the ark of the covenant as a big boat constructed by Noah, I think we can be reasonably sure that the great majority of people are familiar with John 3:16, especially in the language of the King James Version: “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.” Luther called it “the gospel in miniature.”
The verse does not say that God so loved a certain nation or that God so loved only good people or that God so loved only those who loved him back. God so loved the world. The least, the last, the lonely, the lost—all are included in the limitless love of God. As Augustine said, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us” (paraphrased).
But God’s giving of his only Son is not just a demonstration of his love. It is the world’s chance for salvation. Why did God give his Son? So that “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” that’s why. Some—and maybe you are one of them—have never accepted the gift of God’s love. It’s not too late, friend. God offers you the gift of salvation. Accept it! —Lou Lotz
As you pray, thank God for the gift of salvation.
No comments:
Post a Comment