By REV. CHRIS SHELTON
John 3:16 is probably the most well-known Bible verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This passage shows us how Saul of Tarsus found room in the “whosoever” word the Lord used, and how he turned it into great zeal to proclaim the name of the Lord who saved him.
After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul spent some time with the Christians in the city, and then immediately began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying “He is the Son of God (Acts 9:20).”
In verse 22, following the example of the apostles, Saul used scripture to prove that Jesus was the Christ. In Peter’s sermons we find constant references from the Old Testament prophets who wrote of the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfilled the words of the prophets in his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. He continues to do so in his building of his church.
Jesus had told Paul how much he would suffer for Jesus name (Acts 9:16), and in this passage Paul’s life is threatened both in Damascus and then in Jerusalem. Many sought to end his life. Nevertheless, we read that as Saul persevered in proclaiming Christ, he grew in strength (verse 22). It is a strange thing to hear of one under such threats growing in strength.
In verse 31, Luke gives us a summary statement of how the church was doing after all the activity of the converted Saul: “The church had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it multiplied.” There are some important applications for us here.
Christians have peace walking in the fear of the Lord. Psalm 85:9 says, “Salvation is near to those who fear the Lord.” The fear of the Lord is a right reverence, a regard for the majesty, authority, holiness, and love of the Lord. John Bunyan called this “a blessed confusion.”
Plainly, after his conversion Saul feared the Lord in a good way. The Lord supplied him with comfort and strength. He was joyful because of the unfailing love of the Lord. We need the Spirit of God to give us a right fear of the Lord. What can we do to stir up the Spirit to this end?
We can follow the example of probably the two most zealous preachers of the Lord’s wrath against sin and his great love in giving the Son of God as Savior; Isaiah and Paul. Both were put in the presence of the exalted and holy God. Both knew the meaning of Psalm 130:3-4: “If you O Lord should mark iniquities, O Lord who could stand? But with you is forgiveness that you may be feared.”
The fear the devil has of the Lord is mingled with bitterness. The fear a redeemed soul has is mingled with knowledge of forgiveness of sin by a great Redeemer. If you put yourself in the presence of God knowing you are exposed with all your sin, the knowledge of atonement for sin is a great thing; greater than anything in the world. The fear of the Lord is such as that.
So it was with Paul and Isaiah. How they revered and loved the Lord! Paul is held out to us as an example to follow. The grace of Christ altered him in a great way. It allowed him to see his misery in sin, that death and the devil laid claim to him. Christ gave balm to his soul: thy sins are forgiven thee.
He learned of the love of God. It was from love the Father sent the Son, when he was equal with the Father. It was love that drew Christ to the virgin’s womb, not only to be man, but a suffering man: one who would be stricken, smitten, and afflicted. One who suffer the wrath of God as atonement for sin.
How could God convey his love to us any better? While were yet sinners, Christ died for us. To be awakened to sin and the offer of salvation is a great mercy. We do not deserve salvation, but we are offered it freely in Christ. Psalm 107:43 says, “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
The Rev. Chris Shelton is pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Union.
FAQs
This is the core of Christianity: that God loved the world enough to come in human form—Jesus, who died for us, so that anyone who trusts in Him will be saved from sin. This is certainly the most well-known verse in the Bible. It is probably the best-known and most-memorized part of any holy text in human history.
What does John 3:16 mean to Catholics? ›
In John 3:16 Jesus says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whomsoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." It's clear that Scripture rejects the Catholic view of salvation by faith plus works. It teaches salvation by faith alone.
What is the meaning of "for God so loved the world"? ›
In other words, when John 3:16 says that God loves the world, it means that He loves every person, head for head, equally. The logic goes something like this: God loves every person; Christ died for every person; therefore, salvation is possible for every person.
Why is John 3:16 so important? ›
Some consider John 3:16 as the "theme verse" for the entire Bible. John 3:16 tells us of the love God has for us and the extent of that love — so great that He sacrificed His only Son on our behalf. John 3:16 teaches us that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, God's Son, will be saved.
What does Roman 5:8 mean? ›
Jesus died in our place, before we knew we would want Him to do that. He died for us before we'd ever done anything to deserve that love. This is a point Paul made in the prior verse: it takes love to die willingly for someone else, even if they're a "good" person.
Who was Jesus talking to when he said John 3:16? ›
John 3:16 appears in the conversation between Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who only appears in the gospel, and Jesus, the son of God, and shows the motives of God the Father on sending Jesus to save humanity.
Where in the Bible does it say for God so loved the world? ›
John 3:16-17 King James Version (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
What is the most popular Bible verse? ›
“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.” The most popular Bible verse in the world is John 3:16, which is searched over two million times each month across the globe.
What is the best verse in the Bible about life? ›
Top Bible Verses about Life
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Is Jesus the only begotten Son of God? ›
Jesus was the only person to be born of a mortal mother, Mary, and an immortal father, God the Father. That is why Jesus is called the Only Begotten Son of God. From His Father, He inherited divine powers (see John 10:17–18).
ESV I can do all things through him who strengthens me. NIV I can do all this through him who gives me strength. NASB I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
What is Jeremiah 31:3? ›
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 4 I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.
When God loved us while we were his enemies? ›
Romans 5:8-10 New Century Version (NCV)
While we were God's enemies, he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Surely, now that we are his friends, he will save us through his Son's life.
What is the Catholic lectionary John 3:16? ›
3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 3:17 Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
What does John 16 33 mean Catholic? ›
Some thoughts on this scripture
Jesus looks into their hearts and brings them back to the grim realities that he and they face. He knows how they will fail - you will leave me alone - and he loves them as they are, promises them peace, and urges them to courage.
What is the message of John 3:16 offering? ›
God is the ultimate picture of generosity, as He gave His very Son for our salvation (John 3:16). Giving doesn't earn you eternal life, but it is a powerful response to love for God. Why give back to God? Because He gave to us.
What does John 3 3 say in the Catholic Bible? ›
Jesus said so: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). When a Catholic says that he has been “born again,” he refers to the transformation that God's grace accomplished in him during baptism.
