Should Not Perish
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3.16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3.16
“Should not perish”… What a beautiful thought!
It is especially beautiful when fully understood. Of course, it cannot be withdrawn from its proper context as it is nestled between the thoughts of belief and eternal life. Of course, as we have discovered, belief must be a personal and individual faith and trust in “Him” – the only begotten Son of God.
With the individual’s eternity in the balance, it is imperative that we understand the consequences of not believing in what is right and able to keep you, not only from falling, but from perishing.
In this phrase, the verb is “should perish.” “Perish” translates the Greek word “apóllumi,” and is a very strong verb indicating a total removal from hope or help – to be completely wiped out with no remaining opportunity for rebuilding or restructuring. There is another Greek word that is used indicating a simple destruction (“óllumi”). It is the base indicating the destruction; however, adding the prefix “apo” (meaning away from) requires a complete and total abandonment.
The verb form is present, middle, subjunctive. We all know what the present tense is. The middle makes it personal as the subject performs an action which affects himself; and, the subjunctive makes it dependent upon other influences. In other words, the problem with perishing is not something that must happen – it depends on what someone does with God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
This is the question Jesus posed to the disciples: “But whom say ye that I am?” To this, Peter responded: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16.15, 16) This understanding is essential to avoiding eternal torment and to gain heaven’s mercy.
Jesus’ argument of the individual’s responsibility to believe is strengthened by His use of the word “not” (Greek – “may”). “May” is a particle of qualified condition. What that means is the verb is conditioned by this word indicating that something may or may not happen. Without the intervention of Jesus as the propitiation (“hilastḗrios” – “an atoning victim”), there is no option. However, this word “not” does not represent an absolute situation. (The Greek word “me” is the absolute negative – which is not used here.)
The atoning Victim has been supplied by God in the form of His Son. The Sacrifice has been made – and is complete. In His last breath before He willingly died on the Cross, the Victim-Sacrifice cried out: “It is finished!” Having made that declaration, He, with His own body, paid the price for our sins sealing the deal with His death as the testator of the New Covenant.
More good news – Jesus did not stay in the grave. He rose taking captivity with Him and providing more than a mere promise – He provided evidence, through His resurrection, of His power to overcome the Destroyer and make good on His promise that those who believe in Him, “should not perish.”
Copyright © 2023 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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