Subject: How did sin originate |
Bible Note: you are correct when you say: "that the meaning of the word should be determined by, firstly, its immediate context and, secondly, in light of God’s revelation as a whole" And in every instance in John 3:16-21 each time the word "world" is mentioned refers to all of fallen humanity. In verse 16 God so loved some? No, it doesn't say that. John could have used the word "some" or "the elect" if he had chosen to, since "elect" was a word that was in use at the time of his writting. It says God so loved the world., and further on in the same verse it says: "whosoever" there is no justification for "world" and "whoever" to mean some. There is no limiting words here. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (might be saved, not will be. Only those who by faith appropriate by faith the free gift of eternal life will receive it. Thats why it's called a gift. Again the offer of salvation is extended to "all" (2 Cor. 5:15 he (Jesus) died for all,) Why didn't Paul qualify that by saying all the elect? 1 Tim. 1:15 This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (Are the unsaved sinners? Are they too in need of salvation?) 1 Tim. 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. belief is the condition for salvation, those who are condemned are so only because they have not believed. It does not say they could not believe, but only that they have not. John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Light is come into the world - John 1:9 [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (Who does the light not come to? It says the true Light, lighteth EVERY MAN that cometh into the world. Who does EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD EXCLUDE?. Why does it not say some men? And again - 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. In order for you to say that this verse only refers to the church, as many do because of the demands of their theology, is to add to the text. It is better to read the verse without adding your words to it. (eisegesis) The epistle of 1 John is a family letter to the church. In 1 John 2:2 He is telling the believers, Jesus is the propitiation for our (us who already believe,) but not only for our (the believers) sins. But also for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD. Salvation made available to all, but it is only made actual for those who receive it. by faith. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: I'm sorry but I can't agree with your intrepretaion, which seems to add the words "some" and "church" where the words "all' and "world" in the proper context are really meant to mean all of fallen humanity. And just to be sure once again that I am not misunderstood. There is no such thing as universal salvation, except in the extent of it's offer. That does not mean God failed in His mission, it only means, men refuse to receive what Christ offers them. The fault lies with condemned men. |