ONE VERSE, ONE SAVIOR, ONE LIFE-CHANGING TRUTH

John 3:16 NRSV

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.

1. For God so loved the world

2. The Character of God's Love

   1. God’s love is sacrificial, boundless, and extended to the entire world, regardless of sin and brokenness. 

The Greek word agapē describes this love as selfless and unconditional.

1. The world: The term kosmos here doesn’t just mean the physical world, but all humanity, especially a world steeped in sin and rebellion. 

2. This highlights the radical nature of God’s love, showing that He didn’t wait for the world to deserve His love, but rather, He loved while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8).

1. That He gave His only begotten Son

   1. The Gift of God

      1. God’s love is demonstrated through the giving of His Son. The word “gave” implies a deep, sacrificial offering. 

      2. This wasn’t a casual or detached gift; it was the giving of His very heart. 

      3. Jesus, being the "only begotten Son" (monogenēs), is unique in His relationship with the Father. 

This highlights the costliness of the gift Romans 8:32 He who did not withhold his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything else?

1. That whoever believes in Him

   1. The Call to Faith

      1. God’s gift of salvation is offered to all, but the condition is clear – it is received by faith. 

      2. The word pisteuō means more than intellectual agreement; it means to trust, to commit, and to rely on Jesus. 

      3. Faith is the bridge between the sinner and salvation, and this invitation is extended to “whoever.”

      4. Whoever: This is radical inclusivity. It doesn’t matter about one’s background, race, past sins, or failures. 

The offer is open to all – rich or poor, educated or uneducated, saint or sinner.

1. Should not perish but have everlasting life

   1. Two Destinies

John 3:16 presents two outcomes: perishing or eternal life. 

To “perish” means eternal separation from God, a fate that is the just result of sin

(Romans 6:23).

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(2 Peter 3:9),

9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

This eternal life is not just a future promise, but a present reality. It’s a life of restored relationship with God that begins now and continues forever.

Everlasting Life = zōē aiōnios, 

Doesn’t just refer to duration but to a quality of life.10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

This verse isn’t just a truth to memorize, but a truth to live. 

The heart of the Gospel is God’s heart of love, a love that calls us to believe and live in the reality of His grace.