In Reformed Theology, we emphasize what's called the covenant of redemption. Jesus knew at that moment when he was given this gift, that gift would perish and it would cost him his own incarnate wife to get back his bride. He loved us not only while we were yet sinners, he loved us before we were ever created. That's the kind of love we're talking about here. God so loved the world that he gave, his only begotten Son.
The second of the Comfortable Words, John 3:16, demonstrates God’s desire and initiative to save his people. In this episode of White Horse Inn, hosts Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, and Bob Hiller unpack this familiar verse and consider its implications for how we think about salvation, fellow image-bearers, and our Christian freedom.