John 3:16 is one of the most quoted verses of the Bible. We see it on posters at sporting events and as the go-to reminder of God’s love.
The verse is possibly so well-known that it has become cliché, losing its depth of meaning and the significance of its message.
Nicodemus, “a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council,” didn’t get it. During his conversation with Jesus, late one night, Jesus points out that Nicodemus had stayed so focused on the earthly perspective that He was unable to recognize Jesus for who He was: the true manifestation of the depth of God’s love.
16 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.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:16-18)
Jesus offers Nicodemus, and all of us, the opportunity to believe. Here are the top five things we believe, as summarized in these three verses in John:
1) Jesus is God’s Son.
2) God loves you so much that He was willing to sacrifice His one and only Son. His love compelled Him to do what was necessary for our salvation.
3) God wants everyone to experience eternal life with Him.
4) God’s desire is not to condemn, but rather to save.
5) Belief is key, the foundation of our salvation.
Do you believe?
Okay, now that you gave the “Sunday school” or generic answer of “Yes, I believe,” I encourage you to read back through the above list and restate exactly what you believe.
Now, what are you going to do with that belief?