“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 NKJV)
This is undoubtedly the best-known promise in the Bible. You see John 3:16 posted prominently in many places, such as on billboard signs, on the sides of buses, on bumper stickers, and even painted on people’s faces and bodies, at televised sporting events.
But, sadly, most people don’t understand what it means!
Let’s define the words within the verse
– For God (the creator, Himself)
– So loved (cared for deeply and affectionately)
– The world (the whole of human civilization)
– That He gave (He freely transferred the possession of)
– His only (the only one He had)
– begotten Son (born son)
– that whosoever (whoever, anyone, any person)
– believes (truly accepts, wholeheartedly trusts, puts confidence in)
– In Him (the Savior, Jesus Christ)
– should not perish (not destroyed, not permanently lost)
– but have everlasting (eternal, endless)
– Life (intimate relationship with the living God)
Make it your personal promise!
John 3:16 is a very wonderful and personal promise! You can personalize it and apply it to your life this way: Add YOUR NAME everywhere you see an asterisk * below.
“For God so loved * that He gave
His only begotten Son, that if *
believes in Him. * should not perish
but * shall have everlasting life.”
Signed in His Blood, Jesus Christ
Why God did this wonderful thing
Most people have heard John 3:16, but not the very next verse, John 3:17, which explains clearly why God sent His Son into the world.
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17 NKJV).
God sent Jesus to save the world!
You must receive Him for yourself
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12 KJV)
It changed my life!
I received Jesus Christ into my life many years ago while driving down a busy road! I had just read a little gospel booklet that I had found in a glove compartment. It explained to me how to pray a simple prayer of faith to ask Jesus for forgiveness and to be my Savior.
I prayed, “Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me! I believe in you and need you! Please forgive me of my sins and come into my life. I invite you to be my Savior! In Jesus Name, Amen!
That simple prayer changed my life dramatically forever that day!