Real Hope: Character of GodSample

Intentional And Intense

This is one of the most important verses in the whole Bible where God displays His character and heart through His words and actions.

Firstly, it says that God has a plan for the salvation (the rescue from perishing) of all mankind. This plan is intentional and promises eternal life. This plan recognizes that mankind has become separated from Himself and that He initiates the restoration of our relationship with Himself.

Secondly, it says that the process of rescue involves the giving of His ‘one and only Son’ (Jesus Christ) as the key to salvation. In Matthew 1:21b the angel appears to Joseph, Mary’s fiancé, and says that after her child is born, Joseph is to ‘give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins’ (NIV). Christmas is such an incredible season to annually remind ourselves and our families of the value of this story.

Thirdly, God offers salvation to ‘all mankind’ via the means of faith. By doing so God upholds the free will that He originally gave to mankind at creation but makes the gift accessible to all mankind simply through faith, to ‘whoever believes in Him (Jesus)’.

The words ‘God so loved the world’ take this promise and the character of God to another level. He is intentional and intense. This love drives Him. He loves His son Jesus enough to give Him to us knowing that eventually He will get His son back, and with Him us as His ‘offspring’ through faith (Isaiah 53:10b NIV).

Written by JOHN SCOTT

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcast and listen as we delve further into the topic of the Character of God. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.