“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
One of the greatest verses in all of the Bible is John 3:16. It gives us the gospel in a nutshell. Let’s break it down:
“For God so loved . . .”
Many picture God as some kind of cranky old man out to ruin our lives. But the reality is that God loves you! He misses you. He wants a relationship with you. Look at the Lord in the garden after Adam’s fall, calling, “Adam, where are you?” (Genesis 3:9).
“the world . . .”
The world? That includes Those that would cause us harm. It includes criminals, adulterers, cheats, liars, even murderers.
The thief on the cross was probably a murderer or terrorist, but Jesus extended His loving forgiveness to him.
“He gave . . .”
We can talk about love all day long, but God demonstrated His love for us in a tangible way. Romans 5:8 says,” But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” and Romans 6:23 tells us that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus came to this world not to come down on people, but to reach out to people. While religion tells us what we must do to reach up to Heaven, God reaches down from Heaven in sending Jesus and pulling us off of the road leading to the depths of hell.
“His only begotten Son . . .”
This does not mean “one of many,” It means “His one and only Son” or “the only Son of His kind or class, unique in kind.”
“that whosoever believes . . .”
To “believe” does not merely mean you intellectually accept something to be true. The Bible says, “Even the demons believe and tremble!” (James 2:19). To believe is to “adhere to, commit to, have faith in, rely upon, trust in.” The choice is ours as to what we will do with this wonderful gift of God. We can gladly accept it, or reject it. If someone offers you a gift, you either take it or you don’t. You can’t say, “I’m neutral on this. I can’t decide.”
“should not perish . . .”
Revelation 20:15 says, “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”. If you are included in the “whosoever” of John 3:16, you won’t be included in the “whosoever” described in Revelation 20:15.
“but have everlasting life. . .”
Not “hope to have,” but “have.” It becomes the immediate possession of the child of God. 1 John 5:13 says,
“I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.”
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God”.
Jesus will receive and reveal Himself to any person who will come to Him honestly, heart to heart. Jesus said, “He that comes to me I will in no way cast out”
“However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.” (John 6:37)
The Maker of all creation gave to us. He did not give to us because we were worth it or because we had something to offer. He gave because He loved. The moment God became flesh was the most perfect act of love in history. Jesus left the glories of heaven and the throne of His Father and came into the tiny town of Bethlehem as a baby. With this act, God declared to all of humanity, “You are not alone.” Jesus did not come into Bethlehem bringing condemnation. He came so that He could give His life so that our sins could be forgiven. This is the greatest gift you will ever receive, but like all gifts you must open it first.
“Jesus came to save and forgive anyone who believes in Him, not to condemn them.”
” Jesus will receive and reveal Himself to any person who will come to Him honestly.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You God for Your precious gift. Thank You for sending Jesus into our world so that we can have hope. I understand that it’s because of His life, death, and resurrection that I can be forgiven of all that I’ve done. Father, help me to keep this as my focus and give me the boldness to share this good news with others so that they may come to know you. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Seeking Jesus in your life?
Jesus Christ says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him” (Revelation 3:20)
The Bible promises eternal life to all who receive Christ: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11-13)
If you have not asked Jesus into your life you can receive Jesus Christ right now by faith through prayer.
Prayer is just talking with God. He knows your heart, so don’t worry about getting your words just right. Here is a suggested prayer to guide you:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.
If you have done this, then congratulations! (Luke 15:7) says that when one sinner accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Saviour the angels rejoice. So there’s a party going on in heaven right now over your decision! Remember this date as your “second birthday,” the day you were born into a new life in Christ! You have God’s Word that he answered your prayer.
If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here
Rob Lavallee
Scriptural Seeds Ministries
http://www.scripturalseeds.org
Scriptural Seeds 