Sunday Bible Bytes

John 3:16 is a well-known Bible verse from the New Testament. It is found in the Gospel of John, the fourth book of the New Testament. The verse is attributed to Jesus Christ and is part of a conversation between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Here is the verse in the New International Version (NIV):

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This verse is often cited as a central expression of the Christian message, summarizing the concept of God’s love, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the promise of eternal life through faith. In this verse:

1. God’s Love: The verse begins with the affirmation of God’s immense love for the world.
2. The Gift of His Son: It emphasizes that God demonstrated His love by sending His only Son, Jesus, as a gift to humanity.
3. Belief and Eternal Life: The verse highlights the condition for receiving the gift of eternal life – belief in Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Him are promised not to perish but to have eternal life.

Overall, John 3:16 encapsulates the core Christian belief in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the offer of salvation to those who place their faith in Him. It is considered by many Christians as a powerful expression of God’s love and the central message of the Gospel.