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 KJV
As I was reading this very familiar verse the other day I was drawn to the words “so loved the world”. The Greek word “so” is “outos” which means “in this way” or “thus.”
I went to Bible Gateway and looked through the different translations and came across the Christian Standard Bible it says, “For God loved the world in this way:He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”. Reading this verse in the CBS I began to understand that Jesus was saying. For God loved the world in this way and this is how God’s love was expressed “For God “so loved” the world in this way that he gave his one and only begotten Son”. Jesus goes on to tell us the why – So that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Do you “so know” how much God loves you. He loved you so much even in this way that is before you knew you needed a Savior. When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior you are a heir of salvation, purchased of God – are born of His Spirit – washed in His blood.
For God so loved the world he gave because I needed a Savior. I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away-oh what great love this is!