Let God Speak #26: God So Loved The World

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.”

God so loved the world

Many think Christianity is about ‘getting’ God. This makes sense. It matches with our life experience. In order to earn more money, raise a nice family, or study for a degree, we need to put in lots of work. “We” need to do something. Why would God be any different?

Look at John 3:16. What is that passage about? God’s love for the world, for you. John 3:16 is often called the “gospel in a nutshell” because it summarizes so well what all of scripture clearly teaches. God loves us and gave his Son to save us. Jesus died for our sin and gives us life. We don’t get God; God gets us. We don’t choose God; God chooses us. We aren’t saved by our effort or decision; We are saved by God’s love and Jesus’ life.

What about faith? Is that from us? No, Jesus says in John 3:5, it is the work of the Spirit who creates and preserves faith. “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” It couldn’t be clearer. The story doesn’t change. It’s all about what God does for us. What a wonderful story! God so loved the world… God so loved you.