John 3:17

To confirme the certainty of beleevers salvation, Christ insisteth yet upon the end of Gods sending him in the flesh, which was not to condemne the world, but for the salvation of the world through him. If we understand this of Gods intention in sending Christ into the world, then the world, in the two last sentences, must be understood onely of the Elect of Jew and Gentiles, as ver. 16. and 1 John 4.14. for whose salvation and deliverance from condemnation Christ came into the world: But if we look to the nature of the work which Christ was sent to do, it may be taken more largely for men in the world indefinitely. For not onely Christ in his first coming, came not to judge and sentence any, but to hold out the way of life as a meek Saviour and Mediator, as Luke 9.55, 56. John 12.47. but nothing he did then was to procure condemnation to any, but on the contrary to make offer of salvation to lost man, though accidentally, by reason of mans corruption, and not making use of him, his coming did heighten mens condemnation, as ver. 18, 19. Doctrine 1. It is a lesson we are negligent in taking up, yet a lesson wherein Christ would have us well versed and rooted, to know the sure and happy condition of these who beleeve in him; that we may be stirred up to studie to partake thereof; therefore doth he so much inculcate the certain advantage to be had thereby. 2. In the matter of mans Redemption, the Son of God was pleased to demit himself in our nature to be the Fathers Servant and Ambassadour, that we may be assured of the Fathers being well pleased with what he doth; for, so much are we taught in that God sent his Son. See, Matth. 3.17. 3. It pleased the Son of God, at the Fathers appointment, to cast a veile upon his glory, by appearing on earth in our nature, and to converse among men, and endure all their contradiction and enmity, that he might finish the work given him to do; so, he was sent into the world, which is to be understood here of the habitable world and of men in it, and savouring of it; and this commendeth his love, that at his Fathers appointment he came willingly among such. 4. It is as certain that believers shall be saved, as it is certain God cannot be frustrate of his end in sending his Son into the world; therefore it is subjoyned as a reason of that, v. 16. Believers shall not perish, &c. for God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, &c. yea, his not sending his Son to condemn, as he might have done, is a clear evidence of his willingnesse to save believers. 5. Such as are Christs own, of Jew and Gentile, through the habitable world, who flie to him by saith, whatever they be, or whatever they meet with, yet may be sure of salvation, and not to be condemned, having a Saviour sent to them to free them from wrath, and work out their salvation by his merit and efficacie: and in this they may glory over all difficulties, and say, God sent not his Son to condemn the world. &c. 6. Albeit Christ may be eventually for the falling of many, and his coming will afford sad matter of dittay against them; yet all the blame of this lieth upon themselves, who stumble at the rock they should build themselves upon, who reject their own mercie by offer, and by opposition thereunto, do harden and blinde themselves; so much also do these word, teach, being understood of the nature of his work and carriage, as is above explained.