For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life.
Luke 1:78 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) because of God’s merciful compassion. Therefore, the morning sun from above will arise More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 Through the tender mercy of our God; Whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, Amplified Bible - Classic Edition Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us] [Mal. 4:2.] American Standard Version (1901) Because of the tender mercy of our God, Whereby the dayspring from on high shall visit us, Common English Bible Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn from heaven will break upon us, Catholic Public Domain Version through the heart of the mercy of our God, by which, descending from on high, he has visited us, Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us: |
For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life.
So, it says, “You who are asleep, wake up and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you [i.e., illuminate you].” [Note: The foregoing words may have been an early saying, used at someone’s immersion, which included the ideas of “rising up” (See Col. 2:12) and “illumination” (See Heb. 6:4) ].
For God is my witness that I long to see you with the [same] affection that Christ Jesus has [for you].
Is there anything to be encouraged about by being in [fellowship with] Christ? Is there any comfort from His love? Is there any sharing with the Holy Spirit? [Have you received] any affection and compassion [from Christ]?
So, as God’s elect [i.e., His people], holy and dearly loved [by Him], clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
And we have the message of the prophets [confirmed to us] as more certain [than ever]. So, you will do well to pay careful attention to it, as [you would] to a lamp in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts [Note: This probably refers to the beginning of the Gospel age, when people would become enlightened to its message].
Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you people about these things for [the benefit of] the churches [See 1:4]. I am the Root and the descendant of King David, the bright Morning Star.”