Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
As Israel understood what they deserved, they pleaded with God on the basis of His goodness not theirs. God provided a way for them to live without compromising His justice.
Joh 3:16 is made bright in the light of vs. 14-15 (Num21). Without these two verses men would deem themselves lovable and the reason God sent His Son into the world. The cross (Jesus lifted up) is where the love of God was demonstrated. Paul explains John 3:16 in Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Rom 5:8 is a clearer way to see how God acts righteously, Jesus is the act of love God demonstrated.
The Gospel must be Grace centered, love in action. Our message to the world has to be that they sinned against God and are under God’s wrath/judgment. He is angry with unrighteous and the only way to escape the fiery judgment is to look upon Jesus, believe and live, that is love. Eph 2:8-9 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast”
One reply on “The Gospel Must Be Grace Centered, (b)”
Amen! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)
Thank you brother Evans.