“He Gave”

These two words are included in one of the most popular and beloved verses in the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that HE GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Gift of God – I thought it would be appropriate to consider these two words in light of the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus.

Not only did the Father give us a Gift, the Son too gave us a gift: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

The tradition that most characterizes Christmas is the exchange of gifts between family, friends, neighbors, associates, and co-workers. It’s a time of family unity, hymn singing, decorated trees and homes, work parties, and overall friendliness towards each other – it’s a time of giving of self.

How appropriate then to focus on what He gave as a gift to the world, His beloved Son. Indeed, Ephesians 2, verse 8 refers to salvation as just that – “the gift of God.” What is it that makes gifts so special to most of us? I can think of five reasons:

1. Gifts are unearned.
2. Gifts are given on the basis of the giver’s kindness (Scripture calls this grace).
3. Gifts have a degree of value associated with them, usually to the receiver.
4. Gifts given are motivated by love towards the receiver.
5. Gifts serve a practical and/or emotional purpose.

Apostolic Teaching

In writing to the Corinthian church, Paul framed his consideration of God’s gift to mankind in these words: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” This evaluation is most accurate. It is impossible to describe its total value. The Giver is God, and the Gift is God. The Gift is God’s only begotten Son.

Like most gifts, this One was wrapped. “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Unlike much of the gift-giving in our culture, this Gift was not requested. He gave without condition. It was needed, but no one asked for it. It was motivated entirely by the love of God. Surprisingly, it was presented to those at enmity with God: “Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.”

People do not give gifts to their enemies, nor to those having hostility towards them. Was it not Jesus who declared, in the Sermon on the Mount, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies.” How fitting then that God Almighty demonstrated this heavenly principle towards those at enmity with Him by gifting them with His most precious Possession.

How can this be? You’ve likely heard this statement about two people, “They have a love/hate relationship.” Such a statement is incongruous on its face. Most interpret the statement to mean that two people who love each other have great difficulty in getting along. It is impossible to love someone and hate them at the same time. No matter how long and how vigorous you shake oil and water together they quickly separate.

Upon This Rock, I Will Build My Church

If you truly strive to love your enemy, the enmity you once held towards the person will begin to diminish and eventually, disappear. This is the whole point of the Lord’s teaching; even though someone may consider you as an enemy, it does not necessarily follow that you must consider him or her your enemy. This is the perspective of God towards man; though a person is at enmity with Him, He only has love for the person. God is not in a love/hate relationship with the human race. Yes, He hates the sin but not the sinner.

Now we know how God was able to give His beloved Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Nevertheless, we are unable to fully measure this love given the value of the Gift. One hymn writer grappled with this when he wrote these words:

What love it was that brought Thee down,
Down to the depths in which I lay,
That made Thee leave Thy glory-throne,
In Servant’s form to tread Thy way;
Yet lower still to death to go,
That I might never judgment know.

Assurance of Heaven

Although the measure of this love cannot be calculated, the outcome of this love is very understandable. The hymn writer put it this way: “That I might never judgment know.” In the same chapter where Jesus uttered the words, “He gave”, He also says: “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.” (John 3:18 & 19)

The Greek word for “believe” is “pisteuo” and is much more definitive than the translated word used above.

The Gift of God

If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to take the Gift. To refuse is to remain under judgment, which is to perish in hell for all eternity. No gift has been presented to anyone, which has the efficacy of this Gift. Only in taking the gift can these words have any real meaning: