For God SO loved the world (John 3:16)
The word “so” in John 3:16 does not refer to the intensity of God’s love, as taught in the Church world for years. It is translated from the Greek word “houtó” which means “in this manner.” So the text should be better read:
“For God IN THIS MANNER (or IN THIS WAY) loved the world THAT HE GAVE His only begotten Son…”
This is similar to Romans 5:8
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
8 But God DEMONSTRATES His own love TOWARD US (or we can say “so loved us”), in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Also 1 John 4:9
1 John 4:9-10 (NKJV)
9 In this the love of God was MANIFESTED TOWARD US, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 IN THIS IS LOVE, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
So, John 3:16 is describing HOW God DISPLAYED His love to us, not describing its INTENSITY. The love of God is DEFINITE in Scripture. It is not an abstract feeling. It is seen in Him giving His Son to die for our sins.
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2020.
