John 3:16
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.
This verse is rich in truth. Jesus spoke it to Nicodemus, who was seeking truth. Jesus responded with this concise yet accurate verse that tells how a person is saved.
First, “For God so loved the world.” He is the God of all and cares for every man, woman, and child. “So loved” emphasizes the depth of His love. Second, “that He gave.” God did not have an emotional love for the world; His love moved Him to action. He proved His love by giving a precious gift. Third, “His only begotten Son.” God gave what the world needed—His Son to pay the sin debt of the world. Only true love could give such a gift. Fourth, “that whosoever.” The unspeakable gift is offered to every man, woman, and child. No one is excluded from this invitation. Fifth, “believeth in Him.” The gift is offered freely. The sinner receives this gift by believing in the work of redemption done by Jesus. He gave His life, was buried and three days later rose again. There are no works involved in receiving this gift. Sixth, the moment a sinner believes in Jesus as their Savior, two things happen: they will not perish (go to hell), and they will have everlasting life.
Jesus told Nicodemus the truth about going to heaven. Jesus is not in eternity apologizing to Nicodemus because He gave him an inaccurate plan of salvation. Here we have the greatest truth of all time in one verse. Let us appreciate this message’s simplicity, importance, urgency, and value, for it saves a person’s eternal soul. The moment a person believes, they have everlasting life. They do not get everlasting life when they die; they have it immediately.
If a person has everlasting life, how can they lose it? If they could lose everlasting life, then they did not have everlasting life but temporary probation. By definition, everlasting cannot be lost. This verse is a great comfort. It is the greatest decision a person will ever make, for it settles their eternal destiny.
Devotional by Pastor Rod Holler, Sr.