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If there is one scripture that has been repeated, painted on signs, engraved on jewelry, posted on highway billboards, it’s John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

It is the very foundation of Christian faith that is offered to those considering salvation through Jesus Christ, and it is filled with hope. Hope that “whoever” means me. Hope that eternal life is a gift I can receive, too. Hope that the one true God who loves the world also loves me. When we see words emblazoned in many places and repeated throughout so many outlets, it could get watered down, become less impactful. 

We are here to tell you that this one sentence is an everlasting promise from the one true God who knows you and loves you. Yes, He knows you. It’s been said that it’s easier to love someone than to trust someone. So many of us love God, love Jesus, love the Holy Spirit within us, but it’s a little harder to place trust in the triune God. 

John 3:16 is a statement of love that requires us to trust it. Trust isn’t a two way street in a relationship with God. He doesn’t have to trust us to make the relationship work. Thank goodness because we wouldn’t last long! But when you can read the promise within John 3:16 and then fully place your trust in that promise by believing in Him, the result is life changing. 

Those words aren’t a marketing slogan to promote the Bible or Christianity. They are a promise that you can trust and stand on for eternity. Let this promise not be reduced in its strength and authority because you’ve seen it or heard it so many times. 

Whether you’re a lifelong Christian, or not quite convinced about the invitation to follow Jesus, be encouraged by this: God didn’t have to sacrifice His son. He’s the God of everything that has ever been and ever will be. He doesn’t have to do anything. Yet, He sent us His son as our Savior, to take our place in answering to Him for our sins, and He wants us to spend eternity with Him. 

He wants us to spend eternity with Him so He knew He had to send a Savior for our sakes. We couldn’t be trusted to atone for our sins so His son took our place. That, friends, is how much God loves you. He knows we are not perfect and He loves us. He knows us and He loves us. 

All He asks in return is that we believe. The invitation for salvation is for you and your response can be offered anytime. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16