God's Love

The concept of God's love is central to the Christian faith, permeating the entirety of Scripture. God's love is described as unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal. It is a love that is not based on human merit but is freely given by God to His creation. The Bible reveals God's love through His actions, promises, and the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

1. Nature of God's Love: God's love is described as steadfast and enduring. In Jeremiah 31:3, God declares, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion." This verse highlights the eternal nature of God's love, which is not subject to change or decay.

2. Manifestation of God's Love: The ultimate demonstration of God's love is found in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This sacrificial act underscores the depth and breadth of God's love for the world.

3. God's Love in Covenant: God's love is also expressed through His covenants with His people. In Deuteronomy 7:9, it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." God's covenantal love is both a promise and a call to faithfulness.

4. God's Love and Discipline: God's love is not permissive but is also corrective. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This aspect of God's love is akin to a parent's love, which seeks the growth and maturity of the child.

God's Choice

God's choice, often referred to as divine election, is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. It refers to God's sovereign decision to choose certain individuals or groups for specific purposes, including salvation, service, and blessing.

1. Election of Israel: God's choice of Israel as His chosen people is a foundational aspect of biblical history. Deuteronomy 7:6-7 explains, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples." This choice was based on God's love and promise, not on Israel's merit.

2. Election in the New Testament: The New Testament expands the concept of election to include all who are in Christ. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage emphasizes that God's choice is rooted in His love and sovereign will.

3. Purpose of God's Choice: God's choice serves His divine purposes, including the display of His glory and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. Romans 8:28-30 highlights this, saying, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified."

4. Human Responsibility and Divine Choice: While God's choice is sovereign, Scripture also affirms human responsibility. Joshua 24:15 presents a call to choose, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." This tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a mystery that is held in balance throughout Scripture.

In summary, God's love and choice are intertwined themes that reveal His character and purposes. His love is the foundation of His choice, and His choice is an expression of His sovereign love. These truths invite believers to respond in faith, gratitude, and obedience.