The Bible in Miniature
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
John 3:16–18
Without question, John 3:16 is the best-known verse in the entire Bible. It beautifully presents the essence of God’s nature and offers us hope of eternal life. Martin Luther referred to it as “the Bible in miniature” because it sums up the message of Scripture so well. Yet though the verse is well known, many who could quote it have never received the gift of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ for themselves.
In His conversation with Nicodemus, a respected leader of the Pharisees, Jesus made the essential requirement of salvation crystal clear. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, every man and woman born into this world is born a sinner, and in need of a Saviour. We do not start out life innocent, but condemned.
There are not many ways to God. The only way to reach Heaven is to accept the gift of salvation. God’s plan required the death of Jesus Christ on the cross to make payment for our sins, and He raised Jesus from the dead after three days. Nothing we can do or not do earns us merit with God. Our only hope is to believe that the sacrifice of Jesus will cover us, and fully trust Him alone to take us to Heaven.
John 3:16–18
Without question, John 3:16 is the best-known verse in the entire Bible. It beautifully presents the essence of God’s nature and offers us hope of eternal life. Martin Luther referred to it as “the Bible in miniature” because it sums up the message of Scripture so well. Yet though the verse is well known, many who could quote it have never received the gift of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ for themselves.
In His conversation with Nicodemus, a respected leader of the Pharisees, Jesus made the essential requirement of salvation crystal clear. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden, every man and woman born into this world is born a sinner, and in need of a Saviour. We do not start out life innocent, but condemned.
There are not many ways to God. The only way to reach Heaven is to accept the gift of salvation. God’s plan required the death of Jesus Christ on the cross to make payment for our sins, and He raised Jesus from the dead after three days. Nothing we can do or not do earns us merit with God. Our only hope is to believe that the sacrifice of Jesus will cover us, and fully trust Him alone to take us to Heaven.
Today’s Growth Principle:
There is no decision more tragic than for someone to reject God’s free offer of salvation.
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