Popular Verse: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

John 3:16 has become one of the better known verses in the New Testament. And it has become the defining verse of many church’s concepts of salvation. Let’s consider two popular mistakes that I believe stem from misunderstanding of this verse.

“God so loved the world…”

People frequently say, “God so loved the world that He would not demand complete obedience, reject sincere unbelievers, or send anyone to hell.” People read, “God so loved the world…,” but then redefine God’s love and how He
chose to express it. The truth is that God expressed His love for us by giving “His only begotten Son” (Jn 3:16). It wouldn’t be loving for God to ignore our sin, because sin is destructive (Ro 6:23). God’s love doesn’t ignore sin, it offers a remedy for it. God’s love doesn’t force acceptance of the remedy – it isn’t automatic forgiveness. That means whoever isn’t forgiven in Christ faces condemnation because of their sin, because their deeds are evil (see Jn 3:19).

“…whoever believe in Him should not perish…”

This verse is at the heart of most faith only doctrines. It is often quoted as proof that mental acceptance of Jesus is all that is necessary for eternal life. But there is more to faith than knowing and accepting the truth about Jesus. Jesus said that unbelievers are those who love darkness and practice evil (Jn 3:19) – that has to change. This change of heart that produces change of action is what Scripture calls repentance. It’s not true faith if we continue to disobey Jesus and walk in darkness (1 Jn 1:5-10).

The need for obedience is often rejected today as necessary for salvation. But Jesus is talking about faith that produces a change of heart which motivates obedient action. Without these, faith is dead and doesn’t save (James 2:20-26). A true believer has faith that changes their thinking and actions. Faith that is rewarded with eternal life through the death of Christ accepts Who Jesus is and what He did by demonstrating trust in Him by following Him in heart and body. Don’t let anyone cheapen faith by saying it is only accepting information about Jesus.                   dd