John 3:16 is one of the most frequently quoted passages of the Bible. Many suppose that by simply believing in Jesus as the sacrificial Savior, one can inherit eternal life. However, it’s important to note that Jesus said whoever believes in him SHOULD NOT PERISH but have everlasting life. Even the demons believe in Jesus and tremble (James 2:19). Moreover, we must not ignore the context of this passage. Earlier in the same chapter, Jesus told Nicodemus that unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). He further stated that unless one is born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). And after speaking the words of verse 16, Jesus commends “he who does the truth” while coming to the light “that his deeds may be clearly seen.” Even believing in Jesus is “the work” of God (John 6:29), and Jesus would later commission His apostles to teach others “to observe all things” He commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Therefore, we should come to Jesus, not only believing in Him as our necessary Savior, but also accepting Him as the Lord and Master of our life!

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 

19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

~ John 3:16-21

My prayer, Jehovah hear. I am striving to follow Your will, Lord, and I humbly ask You to guide me in putting to death my old self and accepting Your will for my rebirth (Romans 6:3-6; Acts 8:22-24). Just like the apostle Paul, who died daily (1 Corinthians 15:31), I promise to continue putting to death my earthly desires and passions (Galatians 2:20). Please help me to fully understand the spiritual realities and forces that exist in the unseen, just like Nicodemus! I commit to making You the Master of my life, and I come to You with an open heart. Please protect and lead me in all your ways. It is in Jesus I pray, amen.