John 3:17-19 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.… I. THE PURPOSE OF GOD in sending His Son into the world. Consider — 1. What that purpose was not. To condemn the world. He might have done so. The world's iniquities had grown to a fearful height, and though for 1800 years the world has continued in rebellion, we dare not say that God sent His Son to condemn the world. 2. What that purpose was: that there should be wrought out in, and tendered to the world in, through, and by Christ, a salvation equal to the wretchedness and peril to which the whole race was exposed. Hence, then, it follows that no sinner need perish for want of a provision of God's mercy and love. II. HOW IS THAT INTENTION TO BE FULFILLED? By an act of faith. 1. What are we to believe? (1) The lost and ruined state which we are in by nature. So long as we deceive ourselves on that point, or excuse it, we hold back from the remedy. (2) Our own utter helplessness and destitution. (3) The reality of the provision of God's mercy in Christ. (4) That the provision of the Gospel is actually tendered to every one. 2. How are we to believe? (1) Not in that speculative way which regards the truth of God as an abstract matter. (2) But in that practical and personal way which accepts this salvation for one's self. (3) It is to lay our hand an the head of the Great Sacrifice which bears away the sin of the world.Conclusion: 1. It was through believing a lie that man fell; it is by believing the truth that he is saved. 2. Deem not sin a light matter. 3. Accept God's provision of grace — (1) thankfully; (2) now. (G. Fisk, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. |
    |