 |
 Powered by the Spirit |
|
Contact Us: email: Barnes&Noble Resources for Writers Meet other writers near you Online Bible |
The Love of God: A Call to FaithBased on John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 These are the most profound truth ever spoken, words that have transformed more lives than any other sentence in human history. These sixteen words from the Gospel of John contain the entire gospel message, the very heart of God laid bare before us. The Depth of Divine Love When Jesus said to Nicodemus in the darkness of night, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” He was revealing something that the human mind can barely comprehend - the infinite love of an eternal God. Notice how John 3:16 begins: "For God so loved..." The Greek word used here is "agape" - not romantic love, not friendship love, but perfect, unconditional, sacrificial love. This is love that exists regardless of our response, love that pursues us even when we run away. The apostle John later wrote, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Before you ever thought of God, before you ever felt a spiritual longing, before you ever uttered a prayer, God loved you. While we were still sinners, while we were His enemies, while we were lost in our rebellion, God's love was already reaching toward us (Romans 5:8). The Scope of God's Love "God so loved the world..." Not just Israel. Not just the religious. Not just the righteous. The world, every tribe, every tongue, every nation, every person who has ever drawn breath. This Greek word "kosmos" encompasses all of fallen humanity. It includes the prostitute and the pharisee, the tax collector and the temple priest, the murderer and the martyr. Perhaps you've been told you're too far gone, too broken, too sinful for God's love. Perhaps you've believed the lie that your past disqualifies you from His grace. But listen carefully, God's love is not based on your performance but on His character. As the Psalm declares, "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love" (Psalm 103:8). The Cost of Divine Love "That he gave his one and only Son..." Here we see love not in word only, but in deed. God didn't send a message or a prophet or an angel. He gave His Son, His beloved, His only begotten, the One in whom He was well pleased. The Father's love for you cost Him everything that was most precious to Him. At the cross, we see the collision of perfect justice and perfect mercy. God's holiness demanded that sin be punished, but His love provided the substitute. As Isaiah prophesied, "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5). The Simplicity of Faith "That whoever believes in him..." Not whoever works hard enough, or whoever is good enough, or whoever earns it. Whoever believes. The Greek word "pisteuo" means to trust completely, to rely upon, to have faith in. It's the same trust a child has when jumping into their father's arms, knowing with absolute certainty they will be caught. This belief is not mere intellectual assent, even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). This is heart belief, soul belief, life-changing belief that transforms everything about how we live and who we are. The Promise of Eternal Life "Shall not perish but have eternal life." This is not just endless existence - this is abundant life, beginning now and extending into eternity. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). This life is characterized by peace with God, purpose in living, power over sin, and the promise of eternal joy in His presence. The alternative is perishing, not annihilation, but eternal separation from the source of all love, joy, peace, and hope. Hell is not God's desire for anyone. As Peter reminds us, God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). A Heart Cry to You My friend, God's love is not a theological concept to be debated - it's a personal invitation to be embraced. Right now, in this moment, the same love that moved God to give His Son is reaching out to you. Your past doesn't disqualify you. Your failures don't eliminate you. Your doubts don't disqualify you. The thief on the cross had no good works to offer, no religious credentials to present, no time to prove his sincerity. He simply believed, and Jesus promised him paradise (Luke 23:43). Will you believe? Will you trust? Will you receive this incredible gift of love? Don't let this moment pass. Don't tell yourself you'll decide later. The Spirit of God is moving in your heart right now. If you can feel that stirring, that longing, that recognition that you need something more than this world can offer - that's God's love calling to you. Pray with me now: "God, I believe that You love me. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I trust in Him alone for my salvation. Forgive me, change me, make me new. I give You my life today." If you prayed that prayer and meant it, welcome to the family of God. This is just the beginning of the greatest love story ever told - and you are now part of it. _________________________________________________ Scripture References: · John 3:16 (primary text) · 1 John 4:19 · Romans 5:8 · Psalm 103:8 · Isaiah 53:4-5 · James 2:19 · John 10:10 · 2 Peter 3:9 · Luke 23:43 |
