For God so loved the world…
“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
Although it seems simple enough, the term “world” has become a matter of theological discussion. At the outset, I must admit to the simplest of understandings – that the reference to “world” means the entirety of creation including more than the human race – and, reaching to everything and everyone which occupies space. Paul wrote: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Colossians 1.16) “All things” translates the Greek word “pas” which means “the entire universe of things.” (JFB, Vincent, Robertson)
Within the New Testament, there are three Greek words which translate “world.” “Aion” generally indicates an age or a period of time; and, “oikoumene” most commonly designates the inhabited earth and the people who live within it. In classical Greek, it referred to a specific people – namely the Greeks.
“World” in John 3.16 translates the Greek word “kosmos” which primarily refers to “order, arrangement, ornament, and adornment.” In Genesis 1, we find the record of God’s creation of a perfect world. The order and arrangement was exact and precise. The beauty of it was unparalleled. At each step of the creation process (except for at the end of day two) God pronounced the work to be good.
“Kosmos” occurs 109 times in the New Testament and translates “world” 108 times. Only in I Peter 3.3 is it translated differently. There it translates “adorning.”
Having completed His work of Creation, the Great Almighty God ended His work and rested on the seventh day. At some point man flexed his freedom of choice and chose to follow the creature rather than the Creator. The result of man’s disobedience plunged a perfectly ordered creation into chaos and disarray. The chaos was quite evident to the Apostle Paul. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8.22)
It was into this chaotic world into which our Savior came. His mission was to “seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19.10) By offering His life as the perfect sacrifice for sinners, He offers the opportunity for those who believe to be restored to a beautifully organized state of being. While the redeemed still live in a desperately fallen world, we have opportunity to experience victory as we commit and submit ourselves to the One who makes it all possible. God, alone, can restore order and beauty into one’s life.
It is the responsibility of the followers of Christ to carry that message into this fallen world. (Matthew 28.19, 20)
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Colossians 5.21
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” I Peter 2.24
Copyright © 2023 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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