What more can be said of John 3:16 than has not already been said from centuries ago until now?
Martin Luther, who in the early 1500s led the way for many out of a religion of works to a gospel of unmerited grace, called John 3:16 the “gospel in miniature.” Modern day author Max Lucado described it as "a twenty-five word parade of hope." And to be sure it is!
American footballer, Tim Tebow wrote John 3:16 on his eye black during the 2009 BCS National Championship Game. For more than a 24 hour period, John 3:16 was the most popular web search query. The practice of writing messages in your eye black was promptly banned in 2010 by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel. Hmmm!
"The text ... has been used by various Christian groups as a gospel in miniature because it provides a type of summary for the entire gospel ... You have seen 3:16 on billboards or banners during national televised events because [they] rightly see it as an inexpensive means of mass evangelisation. Due to the millions of people who watch such events, they have been savvy in their communication skills in reaching larger audiences."
—Judith Schubert
And these are just a few examples of its reach one can find on Wikipedia!
Through the ages no doubt millions of sermons have been preached on this one verse. Entire books have been written about it. This verse alone has been translated into over 1100 languages.
No doubt John 3:16 is an amazing message of hope for a lost and perishing world.
There is no end to its influence. No end to its eternal words of hope. No end to the everlasting power of Christ to save. No end to its everlasting impact on the heart of the individual. No end to the message that God loved. No end to the message that God gave. No end to the reality that God saves those who believe in Christ from perishing in the eternal flames of hell.
What more can be said of John 3:16? All of eternity will tell.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Loser Bible Study Series Theme Verse:
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:35
“Lose” from the Greek word “Apollymi” means “to destroy fully.” It is translated perish in John 3:16, our verse for today.
Comments