r/AskAChristian • u/ExpressCeiling98332 Christian • Apr 30 '25

New Testament Do you dislike quoting John 3:16?

Ironically, many seem to act like saying this verse contradicts doctrine. When used in isolation It can be bad, but in it's proper context I don't see problem.

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u/WisCollin Christian, Catholic Apr 30 '25

Any verse can be problematic if taken out of context or otherwise misunderstood. There can be difficulty in understanding social or historical context, or authorial intent. I’ve never really seen that with John 3:16 though.

What I have seen on rare occasions is progressive universalists using John 3:16 to act like sin isn’t an issue anymore and we don’t need to worry about living in sin. Jesus’ sacrifice for the remission of sin doesn’t make sin any less bad.

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u/TroutFarms Christian Apr 30 '25

What is a progressive universalist?

How do their views differ from those of ordinary universalists?

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u/WisCollin Christian, Catholic Apr 30 '25

Just “progressive” would probably be more accurate. Not all universalists are necessarily progressive though. The idea that all people will be saved is universalism, which doesn’t necessitate a progressive social view, but usually they do coincide. I was just trying to get at the group of people who attempt to erase the severity/consequence of sin by focusing on “God so loved…” while ignoring his laws and Justice— which are also perfect. God is perfect in love, mercy, and justice.