A Study Of John 3:16-21
A study of John 3:16-21 covers the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the spiritual difference between light and darkness, and the clearly seen works carried out in God.
A study of John 3:16-21 covers the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (ESV, John 3:16-17)
John 3:16 is one of the most often quoted verses in the Bible. Why? Because it presents the good news of Jesus Christ in a nutshell. Starting with powerful, hope filled words: God so loved the world.
“Love” in the English language has different meanings depending on the context it’s used in. However, Greek has different words to distinguish types of love. The Greek word for “loved” here is agapaō, the verb form of the noun agape. It refers to a deliberate, covenantal love that seeks the good of those who are loved. Unlike the Greek phileō (affection/friendship) or erōs (romantic/sexual desire), agapaō originates in the character of the one who loves, not the worthiness of its object. And agapē love reflects action more than feeling. In God’s case, love is ultimately demonstrated by Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.
The Greek word for “world” is kosmos. Although it can refer to the physical universe, its context in this verse refers to fallen humanity. Because of sin, humanity is doomed to eternal separation from God. But those who believe in Jesus are granted eternal life.
Belief in Jesus versus non-belief
But then, John addresses the other side of salvation. What happens if you don’t believe in Jesus? And the answer is condemnation. “Condemned” in V.20 is the Greek word krinō, which means to declare guilty, to try, decree, determine, and judge. Wait. Does this mean God is Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde? Loving and benevolent one minute but angry and condemning the next?
No. But it is important to understand that God is both perfectly love and perfectly just. So everyone may choose to believe in or not believe in Jesus. But he is God’s provision to save us from sin. And to reject that provision has consequences. Because unbelief is not morally neutral. It is a choice we all make. Either you believe or you don’t.
However, God loves us regardless because God IS love. Therefore, condemnation is not an expression of God’s emotion, but of his justice. It is the red line crossed for those who choose unbelief over belief. A habitation for those who reject the Son of God.
A study of John 3:16-21 covers the spiritual difference between light and darkness.
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. (ESV, 3:19)
Light and dark are used symbolically in scripture to represent good and evil. And here, the light refers specifically to Jesus Christ. The Greek word for “loved” in V.19 is the same agapaō, but expresses a different sediment than God’s love. Because God’s love is pure, holy, and good. However, in this verse, agapao expresses love for what is morally evil. Behavior that is unholy, unrighteous, and disobedient to God. But people knowingly and willfully still choose.
The reality of Sin
Sin is often profitable, pleasurable, and fun. At least for a moment. Because it can also wreck devastation that lasts a lifetime and beyond. But in the moment, it’s easy to overlook the consequences. And get lost in the fun.
The Greek word for “exposed” in V.20 is ĕlĕgchō, which means to admonish, convict, rebuke, and reprove. But who is the one admonishing? Scripture identifies two sources. One is a conscience God installs in each person. An intuitive sense of right and wrong we all possess. Second is the Holy Spirit who indwells every Christ-follower and convicts us of sin. And guides us on a path of righteousness.
For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.” (ESV, Romans 2:14-15)
Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (ESV, 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
A study of John 3:16-21 covers the clearly seen works carried out in God.
But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
John observes one last difference between light and darkness. The motivation behind the choice of each one. Those who reject Christ and pursue a self-centered, sinful lifestyle avoid his light. And seek the darkness to hide their sin. Of course, not all sin is malevolent behavior. In fact, much sin occurs in our thoughts. And in forms we easily shrug off and rationalize like jealousy, anger, greed, and pride. But those who follow Jesus and the truth of his word go toward the light.
Why?
So they can self-righteously showcase all their good deeds? On the contrary. Every believer who confesses Jesus as Lord first confesses to him their sin. It is his forgiveness that cleanses and his grace that covers our ongoing sin. But the desire to please God draws us to him and motivates us to pursue his righteousness. And we acknowledge our good works are not to our credit, but to God’s glory and his power working through us.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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