Why is John 3:16 so wonderful?
Introduction. The verse reads: "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 is probable quoted, memorized, and referred to more than any single verse.
John 3:16 is wonderful because of who loved and how much he loved. The eternal God (Deut. 33:27), immutable (Heb. 6: 17-18). All knowing (Job 34:21), omnipresent (Ps. 139), and holy God (Lev. 11:44) is the one who loved! "God so loved..." Is the manner or degree being conveyed? One translator has rendered it, "in this way and to such an astounding degree." The "love" is agapao love – unselfish and seeking the best for the ones loved. How much did he love? "...that he gave his only begotten Son..."
John 3:16 is wonderful because of whom he loved and how many he loved. "God so loved the world." The world was totally undeserving (still is). Man is depraved, selfish, and ungrateful (cf. Gen 6:5, Rom. 3:10,23). Notwithstanding, God so loved the world. Notice the "whosoever." God restricts none who "willeth" (7:17. Rev. 22:17).
John 3:16 is wonderful because of the negative purpose of the expression, the positive purpose, and the condition upon which man can enjoy the benefits of God's love. The negative element is, "should not perish." The positive is. "but have everlasting life". Now, notice the condition, "whosoever believeth in him." Saving belief is always active and obedient (Jas. 2:24, Heb. 5:8,9). The "believeth" mentioned is present tense (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, pg. 326). Which means the belief continues. This believing, obedient person "should not perish (the Greek may also be rendered "may not" or "shall not"). If he ceases to believe, he shall perish (Heb. 3:12-15).
John 3:16 is wonderful because of who loved and how much he loved. The eternal God (Deut. 33:27), immutable (Heb. 6: 17-18). All knowing (Job 34:21), omnipresent (Ps. 139), and holy God (Lev. 11:44) is the one who loved! "God so loved..." Is the manner or degree being conveyed? One translator has rendered it, "in this way and to such an astounding degree." The "love" is agapao love – unselfish and seeking the best for the ones loved. How much did he love? "...that he gave his only begotten Son..."
John 3:16 is wonderful because of whom he loved and how many he loved. "God so loved the world." The world was totally undeserving (still is). Man is depraved, selfish, and ungrateful (cf. Gen 6:5, Rom. 3:10,23). Notwithstanding, God so loved the world. Notice the "whosoever." God restricts none who "willeth" (7:17. Rev. 22:17).
John 3:16 is wonderful because of the negative purpose of the expression, the positive purpose, and the condition upon which man can enjoy the benefits of God's love. The negative element is, "should not perish." The positive is. "but have everlasting life". Now, notice the condition, "whosoever believeth in him." Saving belief is always active and obedient (Jas. 2:24, Heb. 5:8,9). The "believeth" mentioned is present tense (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, pg. 326). Which means the belief continues. This believing, obedient person "should not perish (the Greek may also be rendered "may not" or "shall not"). If he ceases to believe, he shall perish (Heb. 3:12-15).