John 3:16 is, perhaps, the most popular verse in the Bible. Christians are familiar with it as a one-verse summary of the Gospel, easy to memorize, serving as an excellent starting point for evangelism. The rest of the world is familiar with its reference in sporting events, graffiti, and evangelical attempts by good-intentioned Christians. Regardless of the association, John 3:16 is one of those verses that keep recurring in people’s lives.

Joh 3:16 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. [KJV]

For God so loved the world – Good news! God loves the world! This truth is important, particularly on those days when we may feel unloved or unlovable. This verse clearly indicates God’s heart of love toward the world. Further, God’s love is defined as an action, as an initiative, as a matter of sacrifice, not as an emotion. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1Jo 4:10)”

that he gave his only begotten Son – God gave His son, not some other object of lesser value or affection. No greater loss could be known than that of a parent’s loss (much less, sacrifice) of their child; all the more, their only child. God’s plan of redemption was no cakewalk, being extremely painful for both the Son and the Father.

that whosoever believeth in him – Believing in Him, in Jesus, is an option made available to every inhabitant of the world: “whosoever”. Although an affirmative response is implied, a valid decision includes the option for rejection. In either case, God took the initiative, and the responsibility now rests upon the decision-maker.

should not perish – Death is a reality, but it really “should not” occur. For some, death is a topic they’d rather not discuss nor have any association; however, the ability to ignore the reality of death has little effect upon its inevitability. Others may face death apart from “believing in him [God’s only begotten son]”, only to bear the consequence of a life in rebellion to God (2Th 1:9). Both perspectives are foolish when the option to “not perish”, through faith in Jesus Christ, is available.

but have everlasting life – Life can be, is intended to be, and is available to be, everlasting! And it’s offered freely (though the cost, Jesus’ death at Calvary, was high). The alternative to everlasting life is not immediate death, as some might believe, but everlasting death – separation from God and His attributes (Gal 5:22-23). Why choose the latter when the former is so good?

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De 30:19 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 “that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…”