If you’ve experienced any part of the Bible, you probably know that John 3:16 highlights a vital part of the gospel message…

“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 ‭NIV

Think about it:

“For God so loved the world …”

God didn’t merely like the world, but He loved the world. He loved you so much that He created you, made a way for you, and desired a forever relationship with you.

“… that he gave his one and only Son …”

Because of God’s immense love for the world, He gave—generously and sacrificially—His one and only Son … because it’s only through His death that we can have life.

“… that whoever believes in him …”

It’s not enough to know that Jesus existed as a real, historical person—James 2:19 reminds us that even the demons believe that and shudder. Believing in Jesus means we choose to trust Him as Savior and Master of our lives.

“… shall not perish but have eternal life.”

We cannot earn our salvation, but we can trust the One who saves us. God created us for eternity, but He also gave us the ability to choose Him. Eternity isn’t something for the distant future, but it’s already in motion right now.