for God so loved the world......

The message in John 3 was delivered for a purpose.
It was meant to be understood.
It isn’t a “code” to be deciphered by a later “more theologically attuned” generation.

Rob

 

Rather clear.

God loved the WORLD (I.e. the population of humanity) so much that he sent his Son….

…everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Rob

 

Lol, meaning you chose the most sacred cow/holy grail passage of the evangelicals to scrutinize.

I don't have a problem with letting Christ define His intent with 'kosmos' here:

20 Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; I ever taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and in secret spake I nothing. Jn 18

...simply meaning the Old Covenant 'arrangement'.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. Jn 16

...and perish doesn't have to mean exclusively burning in hell for all eternity, it could also include the temporal judgment that came upon that generation:

23 And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people. Acts 3

...as in:

40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. Acts 2

...and 'eternal life' doesn't necessarily exclusively mean immortality but also include the 'abundant life', here, now, in the temporal realm. The 'quality' of life eternal.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. Jn 16

Timothy was a man of God and Paul told him to lay hold on eternal life:

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 1 Tim 6

...clearly meaning the 'quality' of eternal life.

 

Why do non-Calvinists focus on one singular word as if that is responsible exegesis?

 

I have no problem with the world being all humans. Where I make the distinction is in the phrase "whosoever believes" where I note that whoever believes is a person whom God has made alive, a person whom God the Father has given to Jesus. Therefore, there is a particular distinction because scripture interprets scripture.

 

In this case it’s because the word is the focus of the thread.

Rob

 

John’s message is designed to encourage belief among the whole population.
The focus of the second part of the passage is on those in the world that will believe.
Inserting a complex theology into a simple passage mars its message.

Rob

 

I have no problem with defining the "kosmos" as all creation.

For, as Hebrews points, the human temple/tabernacle was but a forgery of the Archetype found in heaven.

Neither is our war against the fleshly and blood of this earth, but against the higher powers.

So, the Love of the "kosmos" is limited by human self - centered - ness to be just our little holy huddle and no more.

Such thinking is unreasonable, for there was a lot more at stake than this little ball of blue floating amongst a vast universe of the heavenly.

Did it ever occur to anyone that the stars that shine take a number of years to get to our limited sight. That what appears is made of what is not seen?

Therefore, certainly Christ came to give His life a ransom for many, and for the long dead, and for the whole of creation.

As you can see, I take the Scriptures as literal as possible, and this is never a problem.

 

That's my point, it's a bunk thread.

 

Which is exactly why Calvinists don't focus on the word world. It is not consequential to the overall position and interpretation.

 

"Love not the world". Because they are irresponsible. Thanks for asking.

 

I didn't know non-Calvinists did that.

No, that's your shallow, hasty, narrow minded opinion.

So, you're self-appointed spokesman for all Calvinists pertaining to the word kosmos in the NT? FYI, my Bible teacher in early days who was a genius and a Calvinist who focused much on the word kosmos and concluded it was primarily used in reference to God's arrangement, not mankind.

And that's your shallow, hasty, narrow minded opinion.

 

Yes, Non Calvies do that. Just read this board.

I don't really care if you think it is a shallow/hasty/narrow opinion, its still my opinion.

Never called myself a spokesman. Calvinists, in general, do not focus on the word kosmos in John 3:16 to support Calvinism. That was my point. I've never met a Calvinist that uses it that way.

 

So what does your 'Calvinist manual' tell you what to say kosmos means in Jn 3:16?

 

What does that even have to do with what I said? Nothing. I believe it is the whole creation, mankind included. I do not believe it is talking about individual people. But that is inconsequential to the statement I made earlier that you decided to go on a rampage about for no good reason.

 

...rampage, lol.

[add]

...no 'rampage', countering your jeering posts.

@Reformed1689