“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17, NKJV)

The Jews always believed that the Gentiles, whom they often called the “world” or “nations of the world” were to be destroyed in the coming of the Messiah.

The Gospel of John corrects this false notion and teaches a contrary doctrine: God gave his Son for the purpose of saving the “world” (Gentiles) [John 3:16]. However, those who refuse the salvation that he had provided for them, whether Jews or Gentiles, will be condemned (John 3:18).

This shows that God’s purpose for sending Jesus, His only begotten Son, was positive. The word “believeth” (KJV) or believe, believes, believed is repeated 4 times in 3:16-18, which means it is crucial in the salvation or destruction (in the case of those who “do not” believe, v.18) of people whether Jews or Gentiles. God wanted people to believe in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life. But if people prefer the darkness of their own sin to the light of salvation through Jesus Christ, they bring destruction or judgment upon themselves by their own choice.

Sources:

MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.

http://www.biblegateway.com

http://www.olivetree.com

Published by Pastorbluejeans Unplugged

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