Whosoever
“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
The word “whosoever” seems to be such a simple word – all inclusive – yet, it has spawned great theological debates.
When we were young we sang a chorus: “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” It went something like this: “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world – red, and yellow, black and white – they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
Even though that says it all, many have diced it and sliced it out of its original meaning. So, what would the Greek suggest? The word “pas” which translates “whosoever” may be used in a sense of individuality or collectivity. When used in the sense of individuality, it carries the idea of “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, or everything.” In the sense of collectivity, it carries the idea of “some of all types.”
When Jesus came into the world as a gift of God to lost humanity, He came to offer Himself for the helpless and hopeless sinners that we are. There is no other hope of deliverance apart from believing in (“eis” – “into, towards”) this Savior. Furthermore, anyone and all – each individual – who believe will be saved.
Jesus declared: “All {pas} that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6.37) The “whosoever” of John 3.16 is the same word as the “all” of John 6.37. Herein lies the assurance of the true believer. When someone, anyone, realizes the call of the Father, they are saved by the power of God and are kept by that same power.
The “whosoever” includes persons from every race and ethnic group – from every tribe and nation – from every skin tone and hair color. It means just that – “whosoever.”
God’s gift was not limited to western Europeans – or to eastern mystics. He was not limited by His nationality or by His human body. He is not a white or black Savior – and, He is not only for the strict religionists. He is given to the “whosoevers” of the world as the most costly free gift ever imagined.
Should you be drawn to beginning a relationship with this one-of-a-kind, only begotten Son of God, you are one of the whosoevers. You can believe in Him and receive eternal life. He promises that He will take you.
Copyright © 2023 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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