This good news is summarised in a Bible verse, which we’ll examine closely:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3.16
For God so loved the world…
There is only one God who created and who rules the world. Everyone has rebelled against his rule. Even so, his basic attitude towards us is one of love.
…that he gave his only Son…
Rebelling against God’s rule brings the penalty of death. But God sent Jesus to save us from that penalty, by dying in our place on a cross and rising again.
…that whoever believes in him…
We can be reconciled to God, not by doing anything for him, but by receiving Jesus in faith as God’s only Son; that is, our crucified saviour and risen king.
…should not perish but have eternal life.
People who believe in Jesus will live in his kingdom forever. Having said that, ‘eternal life’ starts now as we begin and grow in a new relationship with God.