God’s Greatest Gift: A Devotional on John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." 

John 3:16

What is the Meaning of John 3:16?

Some consider John 3:16 the greatest verse in the Bible, a summary of the gospel of salvation available through faith in Jesus. God loved the world enough to send his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. This verse teaches us that whoever believes in Jesus will be saved from the consequences of sin and receive the gift of eternal life. It is often cited as a key message of hope and salvation for the Christian faith.

God’s Greatest Gift

The love of God is a wonderful thing, especially when it is set upon a world in ruin.

There was nothing attractive about it. The world was full of sin and misery. It was under the curse of God. It was the enemy of God. It was condemned already. It deserved nothing but God's wrath. But God loved it.

Why? Because it was His world. He had made it and He loved it still. He loved it with a never ending, never dying love. It was the workmanship of His own hands. And though it had rebelled against Him and was now His enemy, He could not forget His love for it.

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." It was love that moved God to give His Son. It was not compulsion. God did not have to give His Son. He might have destroyed the world and started afresh. But He loved it still and gave His Son to die for it.

"That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." God's great purpose in giving His Son was that the world might be saved. He did not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that he should turn from his sin and live.

And so the offer of salvation is made available to all. Whoever will believe in Jesus Christ shall not perish, but have everlasting life. God's love is thus manifested to us. It is a love that is free and open to all. It is a love that is willing to save the worst of sinners.

All that is required is faith in Jesus. Whoever believes in Him shall be saved. This is the Gospel, the good news of salvation. God loves the world and has provided a way of salvation for all who will believe.