A Simple Truth



One of the most familiar and most often quoted verses in the Bible is found in John 3:16.  In the King James Version of the Bible it reads, “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.”  Years of sermons have been offered from this one verse because it reveals so much, yet such a simple truth. Follow one line of thought.
This version of this verse contains 25 words which can easily be seen in three slices. 
The first 12 words tell us about God and what He did for us.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten” is a message about the love of God for every created man and woman.  One of the identifiable characteristics of authentic love is the willingness to give.  God demonstrated this kind of love by the fact He gave His only begotten or ‘one of a kind.’  Of all that He could give for mankind, His “one and only” demonstrates His unending love for us.  He gave His best so that we could know His best.  This is what He did.
The last 12 words tell us what WE MUST do if we are to know and receive His love.  Those words are; “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  The very reason Jesus (God’s only begotten) left heaven, came to earth, died on a cross, and rose from the dead, was that we might receive forgiveness for our sin and a home in heaven when we die.  Look at the decision which every person is given.  The scripture says, “That whoever believes in him gets everlasting life” but only those who ‘believe’ get to receive.  The call is to believe.  It is a decision which ever individual must make. 
When one makes this decision-their life, their focus, and their eternity is changed.  This brings us to the ‘center’ of this verse, which is the center of God’s plan, which becomes the center of one’s life.  The 13th word is “SON” and speaks of Jesus, God’s only begotten or one of a kind. 
The simple truth is that the Bible points us to Jesus, God’s only Son, who is the hope for mankind.
                                                                              



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