Rushwavefrom The Judgment God Desires to Withhold
© 2022 Bert Davidson
Chapter 24: Perish” as Used in John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
We are now ready to revisit John 3:16 and expand upon the word “perish.” This word reflects the destiny of all mankind apart from God’s intervention. The Christian teaching in view is that of God’s judgment and hell.
- For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not suffer the punishment God Himself is obligated in justice to impose. God, in His perfect knowledge, has passed a verdict regarding the entire human race: there is no one who is righteous, not even one. Everyone is unjust, depraved, evil, and murderous. This verdict is based on God’s judging according to His holy Law, the Ten Commandments. Man violates this Law both outwardly in his actions, and inwardly in his thoughts, desires, intents, and reasonings. In keeping with God’s verdict and just character, He has determined every person is worthy to be sentenced to fiery torment, darkness, and have all His gracious mercies withheld. But God does not want to impose this sentence. He does not want anyone to perish in hell, but instead have eternal life. John 3:16
To those who are open to the moving of God’s Spirit, this book will birth a great appreciation and love for Jesus Christ. Like the story of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet and washed them with her hair, we too understand the depths of sin we have been forgiven, and the terrible judgment we have been graciously spared.
But to those who have no interest in knowing the true God and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, this book will be met with indifference, mockery, or indignation.
The testimony of scripture is sufficient to awaken one’s mind to the truth of the gospel. Let each man choose as He will.
- And he [the evil rich man in hell] said, “Then I beg you, father [Abraham], that you send him [Lazarus] to my father’s house — for I have five brothers — in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” But he said, “No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!” But he said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” Luke 16:27–31
from The Judgment God Desires to Withhold
© 2022 Bert Davidson
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