Alva Review-Courier -

John 3:16 is probably the best known verse in the Bible. However, because it is so well known, the risk is that it becomes easy to quote without giving much thought to what it is actually saying.

It begins with words that overturn a common misconception about God. It says, “for God so loved the world ….” The word “world” is a universal word, implying everyone in the world, both good and bad. Notice that it does not say that God is pleased with those who are holy and angry with those who are not. It says that God loves the world (both the holy and the unholy). As a matter of fact,...