For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Our minds find no rest until we come to God's unmerited love; salvation has no other source. Do not imagine He was won by our merits, such wickedness taints our nature. Scripture everywhere exalts His pure mercy, which sets all claims of our worthiness aside.
AI summary
God's love means benevolent desire for our happiness, not approval of our sin, He hates the wickedness but loves the sinner. He gave His only Son when all mankind lay in ruin and hopelessness, exposed to His wrath, with no claim upon Him whatsoever.
AI summary
God's free love is the wellspring of salvation; Christ is our righteousness dwelling in Him; faith is the instrument by which we lay hold of it. Note the difference: we believe in God alone, but we may believe about anything else whatsoever.
AI summary