Today we turn to one of the most loved and oft quoted passages of Scriptures in the entire Word of God, John 3:16. This is the passage of Scripture that the guy with the 5 colors of hair has draped around his neck in the end zone of the nationally televised football game. Most of you reading this devotional can quote it by heart. It is a passage that is simply profound and profoundly simple.
Though the words have been adapted over time, a precious saint broke down the meaning of this passage many years ago, and it goes something like this:
“For God” – the greatest Being
“so loved” – using the greatest emotion
“the world” – the greatest number
“that He gave” – the greatest act
“His only begotten Son” – the greatest gift
“that whosoever” – the greatest invitation
“believeth” – the greatest simplicity
“in Him” – the greatest Person
“should not perish” – the greatest deliverance
“but” – the greatest difference
“have” – the greatest certainty
“everlasting life” – the greatest possession
I pray that this precious passage will minister to your soul the truth of the gospel, whether it be for the first time, or the thousandth. For His love and gift of everlasting life by grace through faith in His Son Jesus Christ is as fresh this morning as it was when John wrote his gospel.
Amen.
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 1:4-7