“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NLT
If you ever attended Sunday School, one of the first verses of Scripture you were taught to memorise was probably John 3:16. You might have even been an expert at reciting this ‘simple’ verse word for word. However, chances are that you most likely quoted that verse mechanically, without paying much attention to, or even really understanding the words of what you were saying.
You see, John 3:16 might be a simple verse, but it carries undeniable power. It carries undisguised the message of salvation! This verse tells of God’s love toward mankind, His sacrifice through His Son.
In Genesis 3, we learn that our primogenitors, Adam and Eve, sinned against God, and that their sin brought about death and separation from God—not just for them, but also for their descendants; the whole of mankind. That is, the rest of humanity was then born with a corrupted, sinful nature. This is echoed in several portions of scripture. Let’s examine them below:
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 NLT
“For I was born a sinner, yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5 NLT
We were all condemned and in need of a saviour. This is a truth that must be preached. Make no mistake, some people will consider this truth offensive. They will call you names. Some will even say that you are unloving by preaching it. (Acts 13:49-50, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
Yet, it has to be preached because if you love someone, you won’t let them go to hell. You won’t want them to live their life without knowing God. You would want them to be saved and have eternal life. This is how to love.
God’s love is demonstrated to us through Jesus Christ and was proven on the cross upon which He died. This is what salvation is: that the eternal God became a finite man to redeem the human race from condemnation. This gospel is for everyone, and this salvation must be preached with truth and love.
Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 14-16