There was a time when it was seen everywhere. It was seen in basketball arenas, baseball, and football stadiums. It was seen in parks, and in the public square. It was even seen hanging off the side of the freeway overpass. Today, however, we don’t see it that much at all.
What is it?
It’s the scripture John 3:16. “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.”
The statement, “GOD so loved the world that HE gave His son”, has been repeated so often that most have become desensitized to it. It’s time we go back and take another look at this scripture. In this article, I intend to break down this scripture to show how truly important it is.
First, let’s look at the first chapter in the book of John.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. The same was beginning with GOD. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1-3 KJV).
In these three verses, we see that in the beginning there was GOD, and there was the Word (of GOD). The scripture said that all things were made by the Word of GOD, and there was not anything that was created without the Word of GOD.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 KJV).
Next, the scripture stated that the Word of GOD became flesh and dwelt on the earth. So, who is the Word of GOD that dwelt on earth? The Word of GOD refers to Jesus. The next question we should ask is why was it necessary for GOD to send Jesus? Let’s start with the first man, Adam.
As we all know in the book of Genesis, GOD created the man from the dust of the ground, and GOD called his name Adam. Remember that when GOD created Adam (the Word of GOD, or Jesus), was with HIM. As I mentioned in previous articles, GOD had great plans for Adam, however, Adam sinned, and GOD had to alter HIS original plans.
GOD knew that Adam and all his descendants after him would be dammed forever if HE did not intervene. So, GOD made a promise that HE would give humanity a way to escape damnation. Why, because HE loved us. So, what does GOD ask for us in return?
Our love and obedience.
Many people do not have an issue with saying that they love GOD, but obedience sometimes seems like a curse word. People need to understand that love and obedience work hand in hand. If someone believes that GOD truly loves them, and wants the best for them, then they wouldn’t have a problem with obedience.
Although it’s rarely said, many think GOD is going to ask them to do something that they don’t want to do. And the truth is, they’re probably correct.
GOD may ask you to do something that you may not want to do, or you don’t think you’re qualified to do. You may also think that if you do what GOD asks you to do that you will have to give up on your dream. For most, the thought of giving up on their dream is too high of a price to pay.
Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of GOD asking people to do things that were contrary to what they wanted. I’m sure Noah didn’t want to spend 120 years building the Ark when it had never rained before. I know Abraham didn’t want to kill his son Isaac for a sacrifice to GOD. Time after time, GOD asked people to sacrifice their dreams and obey HIM.
Many people focus on what they’re giving up obeying GOD, but they rarely think of the fact that GOD created them, and placed them on earth because HE has a purpose for them. If HE has a purpose for their lives, then what HE asks them to do is part of that purpose. GOD loves them so much that HE wants them to complete the purpose HE sent them on earth to do. That is the only way they will truly be fulfilled.
However, we have a choice. We call it free will. We can choose to obey, or not obey GOD. Although everyone that is born on the earth was created to serve GOD, many (most) follow the path of destruction.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV).
It’s amazing that almost every funeral I attend the minister says the opposite of the above scripture. From their point of view, it seems that almost everyone is in heaven with GOD in perfect peace, but in reality, they lived their lives like the devil. That’s a different topic for another time.
Now, let’s get back to the initial question as to why John 3:16 is so important?
Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Luke 21:33 KJV). Remember who Jesus is. He is the Word of GOD.
GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS son. We think it was a small thing for GOD to send Jesus down to earth, but it wasn’t. GOD risked it all to save mankind. GOD sent HIS Word (Jesus) down to earth. Jesus was like us, he had to learn how to walk and talk. He had to learn how to read and write. Even though he was the Word of GOD, he had to study and pray to find out his purpose on the earth. Many believers think that Jesus was Omnipresent while he was on earth. However, Jesus spent many hours in prayer seeking direction from GOD the Father.
Just like us, Jesus had free will. Jesus could have chosen not to follow the will of GOD (The Father), for his life, and do what most of us do… follow our dreams. And if Jesus did, we all would have no hope. We all would be like Satan, waiting to be placed in eternal damnation. The full extent of the impact if Jesus failed is unknown. However, we do know that GOD risked heaven and earth, He risked damnation for all humanity, and GOD risked losing his only son who through him, all things were created. HE did it because HE loved us.
I don’t know what impact your earthly father had on your life. Whether he was present, or absent. Whether he was a good or bad father. Whether he loved you, or not. One thing is clear, your Heavenly Father loved you so much that HE risked everything for you.
So, on this Father’s Day, let’s not only honor our earthly fathers but let’s honor our Heavenly Father.
If you know GOD, draw closer to HIM. If you have fallen away from HIM, come back.
If you’re not saved, asked Jesus into your heart, and ask GOD to forgive you of your sins.
Make this day a Happy Father’s Day today, and forever.
G. Edward Wyche