"For God so loved the world, that He
gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but
have eternal life." This verse is likely
the most widely known and beloved passage in all of Scripture. Each phrase of this verse is rich with the
precious truth of the gospel. Presently,
let us consider each of these phrases carefully along with other passages of
the New Testament in order to gain a fuller perspective on the Lord's words in
John 3:16. In doing so, we will let the
Scripture speak for itself.
"For God so loved the world..."
Romans 5:6-8 -- For
while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man;
though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1John 2:2 -- ...and
He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also
for those of the whole world.
1John 4:9 -- By this
the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son
into the world so that we might live through Him.
"...that He gave His only begotten Son..."
John 1:1, 14 -- In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And
the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of
the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Romans 1:3-4 -- ...concerning
His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was
declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according
to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord...
Hebrews 5:8 -- Although
He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.
"...that whoever believes in Him..."
Mark 16:16 -- "He
who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has
disbelieved shall be condemned."
John 3:18 -- "He
who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged
already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of
God."
John 3:36 -- "He
who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will
not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
"...shall not perish..."
2Peter 3:9 -- The
Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient
toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Luke 13:3 -- "I
tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
John 8:24 -- "Therefore
I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am
He, you will die in your sins."
"...but have eternal life."
John 17:3 -- "This
is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom You have sent."
Hebrews 5:9 -- And
having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of
eternal salvation...
1John 5:13 -- These
things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that
you may know that you have eternal life.
