God Loved the World So That He Gave

God Loved the World So That He Gave

LSB #571

v. 3 - God would not have the sinner die;

His Son with saving grace is nigh;

His Spirit in the Word declares

How we in Christ are heaven’s heirs.

John 3:16 is probably the best known verse in the Bible. This hymn is not just that verse set to music, but also an explication of what that verse means. Verse three of the hymns states “God would not have the sinner die.” That sinner is you and me and every person who has ever lived, including the very first two sinners, Adam and Eve. After they fell into sin, God was there, calling to them and promising them a Saviour from sin and death. Jesus then came in fulfillment of that promise: “His Son with saving grace is nigh.” And that all might know this great love of God for them, the Spirit now declares in the Word of God that in Christ, there is the forgiveness of sins and the promise of life - that “we in Christ are heaven’s heirs.” That, in a nutshell, is the message of this Lenten season. Promise made, promise fulfilled, promise proclaimed, promise given, promise yours. All because God not only loved the world, He loves you.