This is 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!”
When I read these words, I realize these words are to Scripture what the Mississippi River is to America—an entryway into the heartland. Any serious consideration of Christ must include them! God so loved the world.
We’d expect an anger-fueled God. One who punishes the world, forsakes the world—but loves the world? This world? And He loves us so much that he gave his. . .declarations? Rules? Dicta? Edicts? No! The mind-bending claim of John 3:16 is this: God gave his Son–his only Son. Scripture equates Jesus with God. God then, gave himself. So that whoever believes in him shall not perish!
From: 3:16 The Numbers of Hope
