This is the second in a series of writings by Elder Buddy Abernathy about the use of the word “world” in Scripture. In this segment, Bro. Buddy answers the question he left hangin last time by referring to Scripture and giving biblical answers. He also uses the Bible to illustrate to us that God is sovereign, and loves His people with a sovereign, righteous love! May we see God as He truly is, high and lifted up and always right in EVERYTHING that He does! Tune in next week for the conclusion of these articles by Elder Buddy Abernathy.

EVERYONE IN THE WORLD (Part 2)

When used in the Bible, the word “world” oftentimes does not refer to every human being. In my last post I listed some verses which clearly illustrate this assertion. I concluded that post by suggesting that perhaps this is the case with John 3:16, “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. “If the word “world” in John 3:16 is not referring to every human being, then there must be other scriptures which teach this principle. One of the clearest examples is Rom. 9:9-16:

“For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”

God loved Jacob and hated Esau. Why? “…that the purpose of God according to election might stand…” To elect is to make a choice. When we elect a president, we make a choice. When we get married, we make a choice. When we buy a car, we make a choice. By loving Jacob and hating Esau, God made it clear that he chose who to love. His love for Jacob and hate for Esau was not based on their behavior because they had not been born and had not done any good or evil at the time God made this declaration. It is our tendency to reply, “That’s not fair”. In other words, as stated in the verse, “Is there unrighteousness with God?” The answer is “God forbid” or as we might say it, “No way”. God says, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” In other words, no one tells God who to love. Is God required to do what we think is “fair”? If I say, “God should love everyone”, is he obligated to think like I do? If that were the case, then I would be God. Consider the following scriptures:

“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Psa. 115:3)

“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Dan. 4:34-35)

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (Isa. 46:9-11)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8-9)

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?” (Rom. 11:33-34)

Evidently the word “world” in John 3:16 is not making reference to every human being but a world of people whom God chose to love according to His will. God is not subject to our approval. He does as he pleases.

More to come, Lord willing,

Eld. Buddy Abernathy, December 17, 2018