The great purpose of God in the mission of his Son.
Consider it—
I. IN ITS NEGATIVE ASPECT. "For God sent not his Son," etc. This implies:
1. That God might have sent him for purposes of judgment.
2. God did not do what he might have justly done. "For God sent not," etc.
3. Much of God's goodness to the world consists in not doing what he might justly and easily do.
II. IN ITS AFFIRMATIVE ASPECT. "But that the world through him might he saved."
1. The gracious purpose of God in Christ is salvation.
2. The purpose of God is the salvation of the world, and the whole world. "That the world should be saved." His purpose is as gracious and universal as his love. It embraces the world. Without any distinction of nationality, race, character, education, or position, the purpose is worthy of God as a Divine Philanthropist.
3. The purpose of God is the salvation of the world through the Son. "That the world through him," etc.
4. The gracious purpose of God to save the world through the Son makes its salvation very hopeful "For God sent not," etc. In view of this, in spite of the world's sin and terrible unbelief, we see infinite possibilities of its salvation. It is now a glorious possibility. Shall it become a practical tact? This is the Divine purpose. Shall it fail? God has answered, it shall not fail on his part. Let the world answer.
CONCLUSION.
1. What God did to the world was infinitely more difficult than what he might have done. He could easily punish it, but to save it cost him infinite sacrifice.
2. What he did, when contrasted with what he might have done, stands forth as a brilliant illustration of his grace and a monument of his love.
3. What he did will be a greater condemnation of the impenitent world then what he might have done. It has placed the world under obligations and responsibilities which neither time nor eternity can obliterate. The punishment of love will be more severe than the punishment of justice.
4. What he did will bring greater glory to his Name. He will be infinitely more glorious in the anthems of a saved world than he would have been in the wails of a lost one.—B.T.