The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 1 — Section 289

If the Bon were sent to condemn and destroy the world, the ends of' justice would be strictly answered; for even the Jewish world was disimproving under the preliminary dispensation of mercy, and loudly called f'or judgment. (3) The world expected anuJ, feared this. The world, being guilty naturally, expected and feared punishment. It was suspicious of any communication from the other side. It feared that it might be a message of veageance. It was so in Eden, and throughout the old dispensation and at the beginaing of the new. Friendly angels were suspected of being the executers of justice, and even the Messiah himself was expected to appear as a Judge. 2. God did not do what he miglit have justly done, "For God sent not," etc. (1) Re had a sufficient reason/or this. The reason doubtless was the gracious purpose of his love. (2) The world is ignorant and guilty a.nd selfish, eo as to be blind to the gracious pur- poses and the merciful movements of Jehovah. The pure in heart can only see him. (3) God moves in an infinitely higher groove than man. Therefore man's surmises and anticipations of the Divine purposes are often false. He is better than we think, and more gracious than we expect. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways," etc. 3. Much of G~s goodness to the world ccm,- sists in not doing what he might j'll,Stly and easily do. (1) 'l.'his is seen in nature. In thousands of instances we see how mighty forces would be destructive if not checked by the laws of nature, which are but the almighty and gracious and ever-present energy of the Divine will. (2) This is seen in providence, as illustrated in the recorded dealings of God towards his people, as well as in the experience of all who seriously think anrl reflect in every age. "He has not dealt with us after our sins," etc. (3) 'l.'his is especially seen in redemption. "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world," etc. Aithough the world deserved this, God might have sent his Son for the purpose of judgment, but in his goodness he averted the calamity. He sent him not for this purpose. II. IN ITS AFFIBMATIVE ASPECT. "But that the world through him might be saved." l. The gra~fous purpose of God in Christ is salvation, (1) This is suggested by the/act of the Incarnation. God might have sent his Son into the world to judge it, to punish it. He had a perfect right to do this, but it is not likely that he would do it. The Incarnation does not seem essential to judge and punish. He coald do this without it. The fact suggests that the Divine purpose was not vengeance, but salvation; not judgment, but mercy. (2) This is poved by the mission of the Son in the world. It was "peace on earth, and good will to men." He appeared not with the sword of vengeance, but with the golden sceptre of mercy; and rather than kill any one physically or morally, he voluntarily submitted to be killed himself, and from death offered life to the world, even to his cruelest foes, (3) This is proved by the effects of his mission in the world. The effects were not destruction, but reformation; not death, but life; not vengeance, but salvation. His ministry and Divine energy healed multi- tudes physically and spiritually. He cheered, quickened, and saved them. 2. The purpose of God is the salvation of the world, and the whole world. "That the world should be saved." His purpose is a.s gracious and universal as his love. It embraces the world. Without any distinction of nationality, race, character, education, or position, the purpose is worthy of God as a. Divine Philanthropist. 3. The purpose of God is the salvation of the world through the Son. "That the world through him," etc. (1) He is the Medium of salvation, the great Agent and Author of eternal salvation. Through him the world was created, is supported, and through him it will be saved. What he has done and is doing has made the salvation of the world possible, and through him already the world is potentially saved. (2) He is the only Medium of salvation. He is the only Saviour. 'l.'here is no other, and no other would do. If some one else would suffice, the Son would not be sent. The world could be con- demned and destroyed through other means, but could be saved through the Son a.lone. (3) He is an all-efficient Medium of salvation. The Divine purpose of salvation, in its self-sacrificing love, its greatness, universality, its difficulties, found in him an efficient Medium. He is equal to the task. He has authority to save: God sent him. He is mighty to eave: the Son of God. An almighty Saviour by nature, by birth, by Name, by experience, aud by ample proofs and Divine and human testimonials, he intends to eave; he was sent for that purpose, nnd bis purpose nnd love are one with those ot G0d who sent him. 4. The gradous purpose of God to save the world through the S01~  152 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. [011. m. 1-30.