Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ¹⁸  “He who believes in Him is not judged;  he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  John 3:16-18.

Does God love everybody?

If one only read John 3:16, one could believe that God does love everybody.  But, when one reads further, one quickly sees the distinction between those who believe and are not judged (saved) and those who do not believe and have already been judged (not saved).  Even just within these verses, we can come to the conclusion that God does not love everyone.

And, we are commanded to not limit our study to just three verses.  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

“It is good to see the forest from the trees.”  One of the blessings of reading through the Old Testament, as tough as it is to read some of it, is the overall impression that one receives.  One impression is a strong and clear impression of God’s anger and judgment, not only against the heathen, but also against the nation of Israel.  God did save a remnant of the nation of Israel, but one can very clearly understand that God does not love everybody.

There are also specific verses that one can cite. 

“⁴  For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
         No evil dwells with You.
    ⁵  The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
         You hate all who do iniquity.
    ⁶  You destroy those who speak falsehood;
         The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.”  Psalm 5:4-6.  (Emphasis added.)

“Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED.”  Romans 9:13.

1 Peter 4:18
“AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?”

So, what does it mean in John 3:16 that “God so loved the world”?

There was a need for the Apostle John and others to stress that not only the Jews would be saved.  God chose His elect from all of the nations, not just from the nation of Israel.  “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;  and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”  Revelation 7:9-10.

In summary, we can understand all of the Scripture for today.  First, the hope of John 3;16 is presented.  God does love people from every nation.  We are not necessarily shut out just because we are not a Jew.  Second, only those who believe in Jesus shall not perish, but have eternal life.  Third, unbelievers have already been judged.

In regards to this third point (unbelievers have already been judged), a Sermon by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is so helpful to a correct understanding.  Here is a link to the sermon in full, followed by a few quoted parts of it. 

1. That they were always exposed to destruction; as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction coming upon them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is expressed, Psalm 72:18. “Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction.“
2. It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning: Which is also expressed in Psalm 73:18,19. “Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction: How are they brought into desolation as in a moment!“
3. Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him down.
4. That the reason why they are not fallen already and do not fall now is only that God’s appointed time is not come. For it is said, that when that due time, or appointed time comes, their foor shall slide. Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then, at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost.”

In conclusion, it is my hope that this devotion will guard against a smug and superficial understanding of John 3:16 and replace it by a reverent fear of the LORD and urgency to believe in Jesus as the only way of salvation.  Thank you.