The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed by Anjela Paje of Spokane, WA, from the tape, GC 1301-W, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 25."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1983. All Rights Reserved.

Questioner

It’s a two-part question. It says, does God love everyone? Second part, two kinds of love for the elect, for the world. Here’s my clarification, it says, I understand the proclamation of the Gospel as a love-letter from God, penned with the blood of Christ. This proclamation of God’s love is to be shared with all the world. I see it as the manifestation or revelation of God’s love to all humanity. But, I see a special, intimate for ordained love relationship that God has with the elect that is unique only to them, which the world as described in John, chapters 14-17, cannot share in. And, I was wondering if you could help me understand that.


John MacArthur's Answer

Well, I think you’ve answered your own question. I think that’s correct. I believe that God loves the whole world because he said that God so love the world. I believe there’s a sense in which God, in His great love, offers the world the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only, but the sins of the whole world. And, I believe, that God loves all men because it is God’s character to love. You see, God doesn’t love you because you are lovable. Once you understand that, then you’re off the hook. I’m not lovable, either. God loves because it’s His nature to love, and if you exist, you get loved, okay? That’s an attribute, right? It isn’t something that’s drawn out of Him by you or me. So, He loves the whole world. But, yes, He has an intimate and special, unique love for His own. That’s right. For example, in Amos 3:2, he says, “Israel only have I known.” What does He mean? They’re the only people He knows about? He knows about all people. He knows everything. He is omniscient. But, He has an intimate knowledge of a special people. And, so does He love all, but has an intimate love with a special people, and that’s what John 10 is trying to say when it says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” And, so forth, and so forth.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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