Summation of the Entire Salvation History in One Verse
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
April 14, 2021 3:24am CST
Four millenniums of stories great and small: from the banishment from Paradise to the Promised Land, from the exile in Babylon to the Crucifixion in Calvary - breathtaking stories of men and women whose names have been preserved in the annals of history - the greatest story ever told for that matter - Salvation History.
Today's liturgy from the spiritual Gospel of John, third chapter verse sixteen encapsulates the essence of the whole Story of Salvation:
'16 For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
Important things we must remember in understanding this single verse.
First, no one can question the Love of God.
Second, it's God's prerogative to give His Only Begotten Son.
Third, whoever believes in Him "shall" not perish, the word shall is not conclusive. Why? Because God's encompassing Love must be reciprocated. Without the reciprocal nature, there is no salvation. Faith is a gift that needs a response.
3 people like this
2 responses
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
14 Apr 21
Yes many will say that His love is given no matter what, and think they can live in utter degradation of the spirit, and not return the love to God. This is not true.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
14 Apr 21
Yes, man has become so egregious that he insults God by playing god. The 'utter degradation of the spirit.' Man has taken God's Love for granted. He has become selfish to the point of ignoring God. Man has even conspired to prove God irrelevant. Atheists suck!
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
14 Apr 21
@RebeccasFarm The attitude infuriates me. I couldn't let them simply blaspheme God. It's totally outrageous.
I want to retaliate but lately, when I see such sacrilegious speeches or acts, I mutter a prayer instead. No point in meeting such creatures head on.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
14 Apr 21
@eileenleyva It is a very haughty attitude they have.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169585)
• United States
14 Apr 21
And that is why this is one of the first scripture verses we teach young people and people who are young in their faith.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
14 Apr 21
That is good. The best way to inculcate lessons to children is say it with verses.
With us Catholic Filipinos, we learn about the faith by attending the Sunday Mass and reciting the daily prayers. The formal lessons are given in school.
Traditionally, children learn about our Lord Jesus through singing Christmas songs and re-enactments of the Christmas story. Then, half a year later, we observe the Passion also through street plays.
This particular verse comes to focus much later, in higher Theology. That's when we probably get a full understanding of the faith.
