John 3:16 says, “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.”
Our last post discussed the need for blood to take away sin. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). When Adam and Eve first sinned in the garden, God took animals and made them a covering, implying that blood was shed. Outwardly, this system seemed fine but inwardly it was flawed because the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). Something greater was needed.
That something was Jesus! The “only begotten” is used by John to describe Jesus only (1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9). It does not mean that Jesus was the only Son that God had, but it means “unique” or “one of a kind.” He has no equal and is able fully to reveal the Father. God’s personal revelation of Himself in Christ has no parallel elsewhere, nor has it ever been repeated. Only the precious blood of Christ can remove the blemish and guilt of sin (1 Peter 1:18-19). Animals were sinless but they could not make a decision one way or the other to sin. Only Christ was sinless after being tempted. Only He could be our perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-15). Because of His perfection, He is our only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). “To God be the glory, great things He hath done!”
Kyle Campbell
