How does John 3:17 emphasize God's purpose in sending Jesus into the world? Setting the Verse in Context John 3 records Jesus’ late–night conversation with Nicodemus, a respected teacher who is still puzzled about the new birth. After announcing God’s immense love in John 3:16, Jesus immediately clarifies God’s intent in sending Him: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:17) Key Phrase Spotlight: “Not to condemn … but to save” • “Did not send” – a deliberate divine mission, planned before time (cf. 1 Peter 1:20). • “Condemn” – the Greek krinō, to judge, pronounce guilt, or sentence. God’s first move toward humanity is not a verdict of guilt but an offer of grace. • “Save” – sōzō, to rescue, heal, deliver, and make whole. Salvation is restorative, not merely a legal pardon. • “Through Him” – Jesus alone is the channel; there is no alternate route (cf. Acts 4:12). Salvation, Not Condemnation • Jesus steps into a world already under judgment because of sin (John 3:18). He doesn’t pile on further condemnation; He provides the escape. • The mission is positive and redemptive: – Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – 1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” • Condemnation is not God’s desire, but the inevitable result for those who reject the only remedy (John 3:36). The Father’s Heart Revealed • John 3:17 reveals God’s character as merciful, patient, and proactive in grace (Romans 2:4). • It underscores that the initiative is God’s, not ours; the Father sends, the Son obeys, the Spirit convicts (John 16:8). • Salvation originates in divine love, not human merit (Titus 3:5). What This Means for Us Today • We can approach God with confidence, knowing His posture is rescue, not rejection (Hebrews 4:16). • Evangelism becomes an invitation, not a courtroom summons. We announce good news, not merely verdicts of guilt. • Believers live free from condemnation (Romans 8:1), yet carry the urgency of sharing the only means of salvation. Supporting Scriptures • John 12:47 – “I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” • 1 John 4:9 – “God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.” • Isaiah 53:5 – the prophetic picture of the saving work accomplished on the cross. • 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience, “not wishing for anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance.” John 3:17 therefore emphasizes that the purpose of Christ’s coming is fundamentally redemptive: God sent His Son on a rescue mission, opening the door to salvation for every person who will believe. |
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