ANSWERS TO YOUR BIBLE QUESTIONS
The Love of God
In Chapter 1, we learned from the Scripture that man was first created pure and sinless. The devil deceived Eve (1 Tim. 2:14), then she deceived Adam (Gen. 3:17). They fell from the purity that they possessed. Instead of God forsaking and leaving man to destruction, “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23), HE provided a way of escape through the plan of redemption. This shows or reveals the love of God for man. God’s love is so wonderful. HE did not leave us to destruction, for we can be redeemed.
1. Does Jesus care if we perish? Mark 4:36-39
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:36-39
Just as Jesus was concerned about the welfare of His followers then, He is concerned about our life and our welfare. Today, He can speak and calm the wind and storms in our life and we can feel the peace and the calm that comes when Jesus has control of our life. God is concerned about us today, even though we are lowly human creatures.
2. How much did God love us? 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
Could any greater love be shown than was shown by God? He gave HIS only Son so that we would not have to perish. This reveals how much God loves us.
3. Did Christ wait until we were good before He died? Romans 5:5-8
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:5-8
Would you consider dying for someone who is bad and sinful? That is not natural, is it? But then the love of God is not natural. It goes far beyond the bounds of human love. He died for us while we were sinners. Please consider Ephesians 3:16-19.
4. What is the greatest love that one can have? John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.John 15:13
Jesus manifested this love when He laid down His life for us. He died for us, so we could live. What greater love could be shown?
5. Was it because of our works? Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Titus 3:5
6. At one time we had no hope, but now… Ephesians 2:12-13
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:12-13
At one time we had no hope, but now through Christ, we can have hope if we accept His love and live according to His way.
7. How many will God allow to perish? 2 Peter 3:9
The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.2 Peter 3:9
If man perishes, it is because of his own choosing. It is not the will of God that any should perish. If we are lost, we cannot blame it on God; He has done all He can. The rest is up to us.
8. With what kind of love does God love us? Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.Jeremiah 31:3
God’s love is not just momentary; it is everlasting. This is something we can rely on even when our crosses become too heavy to bear.
9. To what did Paul give credit? 1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.1 Corinthians 15:10
He gave credit to the grace (unmerited favor, love) of God. For what we are today, we too must give credit to the love of God.
10. Although the love of God is for all to accept in whom does God delight? Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked God does not love, but He does love the one who lives in righteousness.
11. What does Christ do today? Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.Revelation 3:20
He does not force anyone to accept Him or His way of life. But He does stand patiently at the door and knocks, waiting to be let in. May we let Him come in before He turns and leaves, perhaps never to return.
12. Will God always strive (plead) with us? Genesis 6:3
And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.Genesis 6:3
SUMMARY
The love of God: Where would man be if it had not been for God’s love? Even though Adam sinned and that carnal nature was passed on to all men, God provided a way whereby we can get rid of the carnal nature and receive the divine nature, the godly nature. Read 2 Peter 1:4.
Material from the book Answers to Your Bible Questions by Wesley Walker.
More info: http://BibleAnswers.press