What does "not only for ours, but also for the whole world" imply? The Verse in Focus “He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) Key Words and Their Meanings • Atoning sacrifice (Greek, hilasmos) – the wrath-satisfying, guilt-removing offering. • Our – John’s immediate audience: first-century believers. • Whole world – every human being without ethnic, geographic, or social limitation. What “Not Only for Ours” Declares • Jesus’ death effectively covers the sins of those already trusting Him. • The believers John writes to can rest in full assurance: their guilt is gone. • The personal, family-like language (“ours”) highlights intimate covenant fellowship. What “But Also for the Whole World” Expands • Scope of sufficiency: Christ’s sacrifice is large enough to cover every sinner everywhere. • Global invitation: no tribe, language, or background lies outside the reach of the cross. • Exclusive path: because atonement is located only in Jesus, He is the one Mediator available to the whole world. Reconciling with Other Scriptures • John 1:29 – “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Hebrews 2:9 – “Jesus… so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” • 1 Timothy 2:5-6 – “For there is one God and one mediator… who gave Himself as a ransom for all.” • 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord… is patient… not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” • Revelation 5:9 – People “from every tribe and language and people and nation” are redeemed. Taken together, these verses show: 1. Sufficiency is universal. 2. Application becomes effective through faith (John 3:16-18). 3. God’s heart beats for a worldwide harvest. Implications for Us Today • Assurance – If you have believed, your sins are fully paid. • Urgency – Since provision extends to all, we proclaim Christ to all. • Equality – No person is beyond the potential reach of grace; prejudice has no place. • Hope – Even the hardest heart can be cleansed because the sacrifice is big enough. Summing It Up “Not only for ours, but also for the whole world” means Christ’s atonement is limitless in sufficiency, offered without distinction to every person, while being effectively applied to those who believe. The cross is both personal and global—anchoring the believer’s assurance and fueling the church’s mission. |
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