Page 14 - Zion's Lamp 4-19

What in the World is All This? continued

John 3:16 cannot refer to influences and manners due to the language of the verse
itself. Too many verses in Scripture talk of Christ's death fulfilling His Father's will to

be for people and not objects or intangible influences. Not only that, but John tells us
in I John 2 that there are many influences in the world that are "not of the Father:" the
lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

Therefore, we are left with the definition of world from this verse to mean people. So,
the simple proposition becomes, what people? Is it some or all? Another simple Scrip-
ture comparison should answer this from later in the same book (John 17:9). Jesus
says He prays for "them" and not the "'world." He then distinguishes who "them" are

by describing them as those the Father gave Him. Therefore, the "world" from this
verse could not possibly be the same people that God loved in John 3:16. What kind
of sense would it make that Christ/God would love someone He wouldn't pray for?

Again, common sense answers that handily.

So, now I ask you - kind reader - what in the world is all this? What we have attempted
to do above is hopefully logical, easy to follow, and above all sound. What makes it
so difficult for so many to see? Is it simply a matter of revelation? (Matthew 11:25) Is

it a failure to understand rules and usage of language? Is it a lack of common sense?
I am no expert, but I suspect it is a combination of all, and with current cultural obser-
vation the latter 2 factors sadly become more common. As an engineer in my secular

occupation, I am not expected to know a lot about language, and many of my peers
seem amazed at my vocabulary and knowledge of language. I have tried to tell them
numerous times that regular, devoted Bible reading can do more for that than other
things I know. Sadly, I have observed trends where knowledge of language and under-
standing of its layers degrades as time marches on.

Now, what in the world do we do? I can think of no better method than to pray for
those that God loved so much that His Son died for them if peradventure God may

give them a little enlightening and refreshing down within their souls. Perhaps we
may be the very tools He utilizes to assist them in coming to proper conclusions based
on what the Scriptures teach. It has been and I hope will continue to be my fervent
prayer that God would strengthen and add to Zion. Not for our glory, but for the edifi-
cation of His dear people and the ultimate glory of His good name. While the world

will one day be on fire and all the worldly influences gone forever, I'm supremely
thankful to belong to a world of people "so loved" and adored by He who needs noth-
ing that He gave everything for that world so that they would live forever at home

with Him.