He Gave His Only Begotten Son

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

 

If all the books of the Bible were lost except John’s Gospel, the believer would have a wealth of truth to feast upon till his dying days. The language is such that this book has been called the “Simple Gospel.” Though one will fine simple statements such as “ye in Me, and I in you,” yet who can fathom the depths of such a truth? If all the verses of the Bible were lost except John 3:16, the sinner would have the Gospel in a nutshell and would be without excuse as to his ignorance of the plan of salvation.

For whom did God give His Son?

For sinners—for sinners such you and me. For those who had violated His Law, despised His mercy, abused His creatures, enthroned His enemy, and worshiped the works of their own hands. For those who did not like to retain the knowledge of God in their hearts and turned to evil and vile practices. What amazing love is this! Love to determined enemies!

For what did God give His Son?

To live as the sinner’s representative and to die as the sinner’s substitute. In His life he obeyed the Law for us; in His death he endures its curse. By living and dying He accomplished all that was necessary for our salvation, and now “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God cannot do anything greater than He has already done, nor can He give anything greater than He has given. He who gave His Son will surely give us anything we need. He who delivered up His only begotten Son to die for us will surely do anything that we ask consistent with His will. Hence the apostle Paul reasons–“He spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. By so doing, shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

Friend, the God who created the universe loves you so much. He gave His best (His only begotten Son) for you. And now, how will you response to this truth? I beseech you by the mercies of God; be saved today by God’s grace.