What does "God sent His one and only Son" reveal about God's nature? Foundational Verse 1 John 4:9 — “This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.” God’s Initiating Love - Love starts with God, not with us (1 John 4:10). - He took the first step — “sent” is an action word showing divine initiative. - Scripture’s reliability assures us this sending was a real event in history (Galatians 4:4). God’s Unique Gift - “One and only Son” (Greek: monogenēs) underscores uniqueness. No replacement, no equal. - Echoes John 3:16 — the same phrase emphasizes that this gift is singular and priceless. - Because the Son is unique, the Father’s love is displayed in its highest possible form. God’s Sacrificial Heart - Sending the Son meant sending Him to die (Romans 5:8). Love is proven at the cross. - Philippians 2:6-8 shows the depth of the sacrifice: the eternal Son humbled Himself, took on flesh, and became obedient to death. God’s Faithful Purpose - Purpose clause: “so that we might live through Him.” - Life here is both spiritual (John 5:24) and eternal (John 17:3). - God’s nature is purposeful; He never acts randomly. Every move advances redemption’s plan. God’s Relational Invitation - “Among us” signals God’s desire to dwell with people (John 1:14). - Relationship, not mere religion, is at the heart of His nature. - Through the indwelling Spirit (1 John 4:13), believers continually experience this love. Living in the Light of This Revelation - Receive the love: trust Christ’s completed work (John 1:12). - Reflect the love: “We also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). - Rest in the love: perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). God sending His one and only Son unveils a God who initiates, who gives uniquely, who sacrifices deeply, who plans faithfully, and who invites relationally—calling us to live, love, and rest in Him. |
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