John 3:16

You probably can quote it.  It’s been referred to as “the Gospel in a nutshell.”  I memorized John 3:16 during a boyhood Vacation Bible School:  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  This verse alone, if acted upon, would be enough to lead one to salvation.  Its components bring life.  Allow me to dissect it for you.

“For God…”

This speaks of Divine Origin.  Our salvation was set into motion immediately after the fall of man, when Adam and Eve fell by was of transgression – when they disobeyed God.  The Bible tells us that the fall brought sin into the world and with sin came death.  But God orchestrated a plan to win lost mankind back to Himself!  Genesis 3:15 relays God’s prophetic intent. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman.  And between your seed and her seed.  He shall bruise you on the head.  And you shall bruise him on the heel.”

“So loved…”

This speaks of Divine Intensity.  God didn’t “just love,” He SO-O-O-O loved!  Do you sense the intensity of God’s resolve to win back lost mankind?

“The world…”

This speaks of the Divine Target.  You and I are the objects of God’s love.  He targeted us to be saved!  God’s plan was to not only win back this physical planet, but more wonderfully, each one of us.  Put your name inside this phrase and rejoice!  “For God so loved Roger Loomis…” Wow, what love!

“That He gave…”

This speaks of Divine Strategy.    God is a giver.  His nature is to give.  He would give His only Son on the cross to win back a lost and dying world.

“His only Son…”

This speaks of a Divine Person.  Jesus is the Son of God, the only One qualified to save us from sin.  He is God and He is the author of eternal life!       

“That whoever believes on Him…”

This speaks of the Divine prerequisite.  Many ask, “What must I do to have eternal life?”  And many are amazed that the Gospel is so simple.  Placing our faith in the precious blood of Jesus to forgive sin sounds too easy.  But it’s true! 

“Will not perish…”

This speaks of Divine protection.  Those who place their faith in Christ are delivered from eternal judgment.  Remember, God’s wrath toward sin was satisfied on the cross when our sinless Savior gave His life.  We escape His wrath and make heaven our home, not hell!

But have eternal life.”

This speaks of the Divine promise.  God promises eternal life for those who place their faith in Him.  He alone can save us!  And He alone has promised us a place in heaven after our life on earth is over.

Now you know why John 3:16 is so often quoted.  It outlines the essence of the Gospel!  Have you place your faith in Christ?