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John 3 English Standard Version (ESV)

For God So Loved the World

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ¹⁹ And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. ²¹ But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

REFLECTION

Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.

This, undoubtedly, is the most famous verse in the Bible. It links what God has done with what we must do. God has provided eternal life in Jesus. Our part is to believe.

In John 1:12, John defined “believe” in terms of “receive”. In 3:16-18, “believe” is defined in terms of “repent”.

Both repenting and receiving are aspects of a true belief in God. Biblical belief is turning from ourselves and our old ways to God, and trusting God enough to open our hearts to the gift He wants to give us.

Is there any word or phrase that touches you in a special way? What do you feel when you read these words or terms? Does it have anything to do with your present situation? What is God trying to say to you? What does God want you to do?

Memorize vv16-17. Speak to God about your desire to repent and receive His grace of salvation. Thank God for the promise of the new life that lasts to eternity.