p. 6 | SOME THREE : SIXTEENS

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 3, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 36.

SOME THREE : SIXTEENS.

PERHAPS the most familiar text in all the Bible is John 3:16. It is noted for its plain and comprehensive statement of the Gospel. It tells the whole story in a nutshell. When that text is quoted before an audience, more people can tell where it can be found than could tell the location of any other text. It reads:—

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

There are other three : sixteens which, while not so comprehensive, express in themselves very striking truths. We note the following as a very instructive group:—

“And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him.” Matt. 3:16.

“Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy Seed, which is Christ.” Gal. 3:16.

“Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Col. 3:16.

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Tim. 3:16.

“All scripture was given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

“Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:16.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16.

In the case of 2 Tim. 3:16, quoted above, the text is much strengthened by the complement of verse 17: “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Another three: sixteen that contains excellent exhortation is dependent for much of its force on the preceding verse. The two verses read as follows:—

“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear; having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”