The Golden Text of the Bible
Some refer to John 3:16 as the “Golden Text” of the Bible. Without question, this is one of the most heart-warming passages in the Bible: “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” (John 3:16).
From this text we learn about the marvelous love of God. It is difficult for finite human beings to fully grasp the depth of the love of God. Consider the two-letter word “so.” The Scripture says that God “so” loved. The word “so” in this sentence is an adverb indicating the degree to which God loved us. Yet, how could we understand love so deep that it would cause God to send His only-begotten Son into the world to die for the sins of others?
If you are a parent or grand-parent, can you imagine giving your precious child to die for folks who were ungodly? God has blessed me with three sons, and I cannot fathom giving even one of them to die for a good man, much less a person who is ungodly. But God did. He had only “one” Son, and He gave His only Son to die in agony on the cross that sinners might be saved.
From this text we also learn that salvation is conditional. That is, God has given conditions which sinners must meet in order to be saved. In John 3:16, we learn that the ones who “believeth” are the ones who should not perish. The term “believeth” in this passage does not mean that one must merely accept the fact that Jesus is the Savior and that He died on the cross. Rather, the term “believeth” in this passage involves trust and obedience. Notice that this verse says nothing about repentance, but we all understand that repentance is included in “believeth” because one cannot be saved without repentance (Luke 13:3). Further, notice that this verse says nothing about confessing Christ. Does that mean that confession is excluded from the plan of salvation? Certainly not. We all understand that “believeth” involves confession because one cannot be saved without confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10). Notice further, that this verse says nothing about being baptized. Does that mean that baptism is excluded from the plan of salvation? No, it does not. “Believeth” in John 3:16 must involve baptism since salvation is promised to those who believe and are baptized (Mark 16:16). Therefore, one can safely conclude that “believeth” in John 3:16 is a comprehensive term that includes all the things necessary for salvation.
A proper understanding of John 3:16 enhances the luster and beauty of this powerful text. Those who receive it “should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
