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John 3:16


Jesus speaking to Nicodemus

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

  “John 3:16.” 


Undoubtedly, this is the most widely know scripture reference, and that has not been by accident.  Many believe that John 3:16 is the most concise statement of the Christian faith, the gospel in a nutshell so to speak.

We see in this passage the indescribable love of God for humanity; a love that would compel God, to give the life of his only Son, Jesus Christ. God is not indifferent toward each of us, God is passionate for us.

Let's look for a moment at John 3:16 in context.  The passage has to do with what it means to be born again.  Nicodemus, curious about Jesus, comes to Him one night with a compliment towards all Jesus had done. Jesus tells him “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (John 3:5) Nicodemus doesn’t get it and so Jesus explains that it is not about religiosity. It’s not about doing.   It’s not about keeping “the rules.” It’s about a totally new relationship – a spiritual one! How does this occur?

 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  (John 3:15)  


Why?  

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

What an awesome invitation! And He did this to save us not condemn us! But what about those who don’t believe? 

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”  (John 3:17)


We are all sinners and the consequence of sin is death, eternal separation from God. (Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 6:23) But God made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself and enter into relationship with Him. Christ lived a perfect, blameless life and provided the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He died in our place. 
We all must be “born again” to have eternal life, there is no in between. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36)  To remain neutral to Jesus is still a form of rejection.  How have you responded to Jesus?  Will you believe in Him today?
From my heart,
Acacia

Has this verse spoken to you in a special way? Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com

“Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization. Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!
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