The Gospel
according to Saint John:
John 3:16
“For God so
loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him
might not perish but might have eternal life.”
John 3:16 is one of the most known, if
not the most known, verses of the bible amongst Christians throughout the
world. It can be seen on posters at sporting events, bumper stickers, and even
television commercials as Christians acclaim the gospel. 3:16 has been
appropriately called a summary of the whole gospel, but it must be understood
within the whole text. Moses lifted up serpent as a life giving sign for those
afflicted with physical death. John’s baptism of repentance prepared Israel for
the coming of the Son of man who would be lifted up as salvation for all men (and
women) afflicted with spiritual death. By Christ’s earthly action of
simultaneous suffering, dying and prevailing glory, Jesus made known his
heavenly love which brought forth salvation for all who believe.