A.W. PINK AND THE DEFINITION OF "KOSMOS"

[jeremiah1five]

It may appear to some of our readers that the exposition we have given of John 3:16 in the chapter on "Difficulties and Objections" is a forced and unnatural one, inasmuch as our definition of the term "world" seems to be out of harmony with the meaning and scope of this word in other passages, where, to supply the world of believers (God's elect) as a definition of "world" would make no sense. Many have said to us, "Surely, 'world' means world, that is, you, me, and everybody." In reply we would say: We know from experience how difficult it is to set aside the "traditions of men" and come to a passage which we have heard explained in a certain way scores of times, and study it carefully for ourselves without bias Nevertheless, this is essential if we would learn the mind of God.

Many people suppose they already know the simple meaning of John 3:16, and therefore they conclude that no diligent study is required of them to discover the precise teaching of this verse. Needless to say, such an attitude shuts out any further light which they otherwise might obtain on the passage. Yet, if anyone will take a Concordance and read carefully the various passages in which the term "world" (as a translation of "kosmos") occurs, he will quickly perceive that to ascertain the precise meaning of, the word "world" in any given passage is not nearly so easy as is popularly supposed. The word "kosmos," and its English equivalent "world," is not used with a uniform significance in the New Testament. Very far from it. It is used in quite a number of different ways. Below we will refer to a few passages where this term occurs, suggesting a tentative definition in each case:

"Kosmos" is used of the Universe as a whole: Acts 17: 24 - "God that made the world and all things therein seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth." is used of the Universe as a whole: Acts 17: 24 - "God that made the world and all things therein seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth."

"Kosmos" is used of the earth: John 13:1; Eph. 1:4, etc., etc.- "When Jesus knew that his hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world He loved them unto the end." "Depart out of this world" signifies, leave this earth. "According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world." This expression signifies, before the earth was founded-compare Job 38:4 etc.

"Kosmos" is used of the world-system: John 12:31 etc. "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the Prince of this world be cast out"- compare Matt. 4:8 and I John 5:19, R. V.

"Kosmos" is used of the whole human race: Rom. 3: 19, etc.-"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."

"Kosmos" is used of humanity minus believers: John 15:18; Rom. 3:6 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you." Believers do not "hate" Christ, so that "the world" here must signify the world of unbelievers in contrast from believers who love Christ. "God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world." Here is another passage where "the world" cannot mean "you, me, and everybody," for believers will not be "judged" by God, see John 5:24. So that here, too, it must be the world of unbelievers which is in view. is used of humanity minus believers: John 15:18; Rom. 3:6 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you." Believers do not "hate" Christ, so that "the world" here must signify the world of unbelievers in contrast from believers who love Christ. "God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world." Here is another passage where "the world" cannot mean "you, me, and everybody," for believers will not be "judged" by God, see John 5:24. So that here, too, it must be the world of unbelievers which is in view.

"Kosmos" is used of Gentiles in contrast from Jews: Rom. 11:12 etc. "Now if the fall of them (Israel) be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them (Israel) the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their (Israel's) fulness." Note how the first clause in italics is defined by the latter clause placed in italics. Here, again, "the world" cannot signify all humanity for it excludes Israel!​

"Kosmos" is used of believers only: John 1:29; 3:16, 17; 6:33; 12;47; I Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 5:19. We leave our readers to turn to these passages, asking them to note, carefully, exactly what is said and predicated of "the world" in each place. is used of believers only: John 1:29; 3:16, 17; 6:33; 12;47; I Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 5:19. We leave our readers to turn to these passages, asking them to note, carefully, exactly what is said and predicated of "the world" in each place.

Thus it will be seen that "kosmos" has at least seven clearly defined different meanings in the New Testament. It may be asked, Has then God used a word thus to confuse and confound those who read the Scriptures? We answer, No! nor has He written His Word for lazy people who are too dilatory, or too busy with the things of this world, or, like Martha, so much occupied with "serving," they have no time and no heart to "search" and "study" Holy Writ! Should it be asked further, But how is a searcher of the Scriptures to know which of the above meanings the term "world" has in any given passage? The answer is: This may be ascertained by a careful study of the context, by diligently noting what is predicated of "the world" in each passage, and by prayer fully consulting other parallel passages to the one being studied. The principal subject of John 3:16 is Christ as the Gift of God.

The first clause tells us what moved God to "give" His only begotten Son, and that was His great "love;" the second clause informs us for whom God "gave" His Son, and that is for, "whosoever (or, better, 'every one') believeth;" while the last clause makes known why God "gave" His Son (His purpose), and that is, that everyone that believeth "should not perish but have everlasting life." That "the world" in John 3:16 refers to the world of believers (God's elect), in contradistinction from "the world of the ungodly" (2 Pet. 2:5), is established, unequivocally established, by a comparison of the other passages which speak of God's "love." "God commendeth His love toward US"-the saints, Rom. 5:8. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth"-every son, Heb. 12:6. "We love Him, because He first loved US"-believers, I John 4:19. The wicked God "pities" (see Matt. 18:33). Unto the unthankful and evil God is "kind" (see Luke 6:35). The vessels of wrath He endures "with much long-suffering" (see Rom. 9:22). But "His own" God "loves"!!

[Just something to consider.]

 

[Consecrated Life]

Jesus Loves all and died for all .
Not only for those that reject His love and would rather enter into hell.
But His Love even extends to the one betraying Him to be killed.


Jhn 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend

Mat 26:48
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Mat 26:50
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him

 

[jeremiah1five]

Jesus Loves all and died for all .

If He died for all are we counting the billions of people NOT included in the Abrahamic Covenant?
Or how about the millions who were not part of the Mosaic Covenant and the middle wall partition God set up to distinguish and divide the races of the Covenant "Jews" and non-Covenant Gentiles?

Not only for those that reject His love and would rather enter into hell.

Everybody on earth rejects God. There is NONE that seek Him.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Jn 3:19–20.

11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Ro 3:11.

I prefer to receive the Scripture that contradicts your unsound belief.

But His Love even extends to the one betraying Him to be killed.

We've all betrayed God. NONE of us love Christ. None of us seek Christ.
This means that God must do the saving from our BONDAGE in sin.
Man is passive and non-active in his or her salvation.

Jhn 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend

Mat 26:48
Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Mat 26:50
And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him

Atonement was made for Judas and the other eleven sitting at the Passover table.

 

[Consecrated Life]

Everybody on earth rejects God. There is NONE that seek Him.

There are NONE in His presence that have not COME to Him .
And there never will be .

Jhn 5:40
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I’m often tempted to think that anyone can believe if they will themselves to do so…and keep it up iron will prayers good deeds…

But I cannot ignore scripture that indicates that something the world views as escapism at best…true real faith…is an act of God.

 

[Consecrated Life]

Atonement was made for Judas and the other eleven sitting at the Passover table.

If Judas had atonement , why , according to the Word of Jesus ,would it have been better for him if he had never been born ?
For me I will take Jesus's Word for the eternal fate of Judas not being a good one.

Mat 26:24
woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

 

[jeremiah1five]

There are NONE in His presence that have not COME to Him .
And there never will be .

Jhn 5:40
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

Sin separates man from God.

Every man sins and is separated from God.
No man goes to Christ. No man seeks God.
Every person that had a relationship with God was called of God.
No man chooses God because they love darkness and hate the light.
They neither come to the light to be saved.
Even if their lives depend on it they STILL do not come to the light.
So, God has to make all the moves to save an individual.
Man does nothing until set free from his/her bondage in sin.
Once set free there's only one place to God.
THEN, they go.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Jn 15:16.

 

[for_his_glory]

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Do we really need to analyze, put it under a microscope and scrutinize these verses in order to understand the simplistic of God's grace in what has already been written, or should we just be reading them for what has already been written that even a child could understand.

Some scriptures explain themselves without man's doctrinal interpretations.

 

[TahitiRun]

Obviously, context becomes the determinate factor. However, if there is no contextual reason for one to limit the usual and general meaning of a term, I would say the person doing so is simply trying to protect their own personal dogma/doctrines.

Pink was a master at doing so. He had a good command of the English language, knew the KJV translation front to back and could flip anything on it's head.

 

[jeremiah1five]

If Judas had atonement , why , according to the Word of Jesus ,would it have been better for him if he had never been born ?
For me I will take Jesus's Word for the eternal fate of Judas not being a good one.

Mat 26:24
woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

Jesus could have said that about anyone.
If Judas had not been born he would not have been an apostle, would not have betrayed Jesus, there would not have been an arrest, an unjust trial and Jesus condemned to die, there would be no crucifixion, no death, no atonement, and we'd ALL still be in our sins and destined for eternal separation from God and the plan of redemption a failure by God.

But as I said Jesus could have said that about anyone taking Judas' place if he had not been born.

But I'd like to think about the stigma of having betrayed the Lord in accordance to the plan of God and of having people always saying Judas is the worst person, even worse than Atilla the Hun, Hitler, Stalin, Mao, John Wilkes Booth, and God's people declaring everywhere and all the time when his name comes up in conversation that Judas is in hell rotting his butt and soul off.
Imagine that.

But I'd prefer to see it in more personal terms, that Judas grieved at finally learning what his actions brought to an innocent man, the grief he experienced, and the eventual death he knew under the Law of Moses awaited him for being complicit in the death of an innocent man. It called for stoning by his own people to atone for the eventual death of Jesus.
Ah, but he wasn't stoned, was he? He should have been. No, the religious leaders instead told him to "See thou to that" meaning YOU handle it.
He did. In obedience to the Law of Moses he went out and committed suicide. Life for a life as prescribed by God.
So, with all these things I'm sure it would've been better if he had not been born.
But God would've used someone else to do the deed.
Maybe this person's name would've been Herbert or Harold or Peter.
But of course, God does not play dice with the cosmos.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Some scriptures explain themselves without man's doctrinal interpretations.

I agree. Some Scriptures explain themselves and are easy to understand.
Like this one:

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Ro 3:10–11.

Even a child can understand it.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Obviously, context becomes the determinate factor. However, if there is no contextual reason for one to limit the usual and general meaning of a term, I would say the person doing so is simply trying to protect their own personal dogma/doctrines.

Pink was a master at doing so. He had a good command of the English language, knew the KJV translation front to back and could flip anything on it's head.

And all the other professors who agreed with him also lend credence to his understanding of these things.
But too bad there are two schools of thought in Christianity: Arminianism and the orthodox doctrines of grace.
Just like Pharisees and Sadducees.
One is true, the other false.
And based upon what Jesus taught the people His understanding of the Word of God closely resembled that of the Pharisees on marriage, angels, eternal life, the resurrection and others.
Isn't life grand.

 

[TahitiRun]

But too bad there are two schools of thought in Christianity: Arminianism and the orthodox doctrines of grace.

If what you mean by "orthodox doctrines of grace" is Calvinism, then I would disagree. They're both false.

 

[Consecrated Life]

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Jn 15:16.

John 15:16 is Jesus speaking to His apostles regarding specifics that applied to them alone, and no other,
When you submit a news story from your home town telling how you are causing the lame to walk & bringing the dead to life then you may make your claim that everything which Jesus applied to the apostles applies to you .
Until you bring that evidence then claiming that everything Jesus did for the apostles He did for you only makes you fraud and liar.
Lies are sinful and an abomination to God by the way.

 

[Consecrated Life]

If Judas had atonement , why , according to the Word of Jesus ,would it have been better for him if he had never been born ?
For me I will take Jesus's Word for the eternal fate of Judas not being a good one.

Mat 26:24
woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

Jesus could have said that about anyone.

He only said it about Judas .

Very telling of your spiritual construct how often in these threads you are finding the Words of Jesus Christ to be lacking in what you think He should say.

For me the Word of Jesus satisfies completely

 

[jeremiah1five]

If what you mean by "orthodox doctrines of grace" is Calvinism, then I would disagree. They're both false.

So then you hold to unorthodox doctrines which are false doctrines.
Paul taught the doctrines of Grace, Augustine taught the doctrines of grace, Calvin taught the doctrines of grace.
Everything else is unorthodox doctrines of grace, like Jesus died for everyone or God loves everyone.
But what good is God's love if it doesn't save those elect people of His whose names are in the book of life, a book with names written in before God created heaven, earth, and man.
God is not waiting around to see who will accept His Son because He knows man is bound in sin, cannot break free from sin, love darkness and hate the light and neither come to the light to save their very lives.
Here's a doctrine of Grace:

NO ONE seeks God.

Do you reject this orthodox doctrine of grace?

11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. Ro 3:10–18.

Pretty much these people, and Paul under inspiration of the Holy Spirit says ALL don't understand, ALL gone out of the way [the truth and the life], ALL are unprofitable, ALL of their throat is an open sepulcher, ALL their tongues use deceit, ALL have poison in their words, ALL their mouths are full of cursing (because that's what's in their hearts), ALL their feet are swift to commit murder and shed blood, ALL of them do not know peace and ALL have NO FEAR of God before their eyes.
Sounds like an exhaustive condemnation upon ALL mankind.
But Jonah says, Salvation IS OF THE LORD, not man.

 

[jeremiah1five]

He only said it about Judas .

Very telling of your spiritual construct how often in these threads you are finding the Words of Jesus Christ to be lacking in what you think He should say.

For me the Word of Jesus satisfies completely

OK, here are the words of Jesus:

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Lk 22:19–20.

There you go. Salvation. Atonement.
Judas is at the Passover table partaking of the Passover meal just like when the Israelites did in the OT.
And their sins were PASSED-OVER.
So, according to Jesus' words He died for Judas as well as the other eleven at the PASSOVER meal in accordance with the command of God.

But you don't accept Jesus' words. You'll find some way to reject them for leaning on your own understanding in the vanity of your mind.

Now, go ahead and contradict Jesus Christ the Son of God.

 

[jeremiah1five]

John 15:16 is Jesus speaking to His apostles regarding specifics that applied to them alone, and no other,
When you submit a news story from your home town telling how you are causing the lame to walk & bringing the dead to life then you may make your claim that everything which Jesus applied to the apostles applies to you .
Until you bring that evidence then claiming that everything Jesus did for the apostles He did for you only makes you fraud and liar.
Lies are sinful and an abomination to God by the way.

He chose me. He ordained that I bring forth fruit.
Case closed despite your unbelief in the Word of God.

 

[jeremiah1five]

If none of us understand nor seek God then why do we/you call ourselves a Christian. What was the purpose of Christ and God's grace if by what you say none of us believe in Him. See, what you are teaching is either flawed by man's doctrines, or I'm not understanding why you say none of us seek Him.

Jonah said, Salvation is OF THE LORD.
It is not of human origin. It comes from God and He is the originator of salvation.
Religion is man's attempt at saving himself.

We have all fallen short of the glory of the Lord, but yet He made a way for us where there seemed to be no way. Salvation is of the Lord to who soever believes in the name of Jesus.

You're adding to the Scripture. Jonah didn't say, "Salvation is of the Lord to whosoever believes in the name of Jesus.
Jesus taught salvation is impossible with men.

25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Mt 19:25–26.

The question is, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus replied, "With men this [salvation] is impossible."

So, salvation is impossible with men.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Light [Christ] is come into the world and men love darkness rather than light [Christ.]

That's why men cannot and do not come to Christ to be saved. It's IMPOSSIBLE.

 

[for_his_glory]

jeremiah1five Did a little homework on A.W. Pink the man you follow as you believe in this Calvinistic false doctrine.

A.W. Pink was so wishy washy going from one occult doctrine to another so called religious doctrines and wasn't very well liked because of his personality that later on in life led him to have a nervous breakdown. His impolitic preaching of Calvinist doctrine resulted in a unanimous resolve of the Baptist Fraternal of New South Wales not to endorse him.

It's alleged that Pink's personality made it difficult for him to have a successful pastoral ministry. He has been criticized for being to individualistic and of too critical a temperament lacking the benefit of thorough theological discussions with other men.

His Pastorals, as he decided to become a Pastor without the calling or the anointing of the Holy Spirit led him from one Baptist church to another as he was not very well received so he left the pastorals and decided to write books instead. He became a recluse not wanting anyone to help him or even visit him later on in life.

Anyway, anyone can read his biography like I did and Calvinism believe that at the beginning of time God selected a limited number of souls to grant salvation and there is nothing any individual person can do during their mortal life to alter their eternal fate. Either you were chosen or you were not and that's all there is to it.

This is a false doctrine that completely comes against scripture like that of John 3:16-21 and every other scripture that speaks of our salvation through Christ by that of God's grace extended to all who will receive it.