"For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
This great Bible verse reveals four truths from the heart of GOD for all people.
We are loved.
GOD wants us to know that we are loved. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." You are part of this world, and GOD loves you. HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE wants you ". . .to know the love of CHRIST. . ." (Ephesians 3:19).
We are of worth.
The LORD also wants us to know that we are of worth. We are so dear to GOD ". . .that HE gave HIS only begotten SON. . ." The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23). And sin must be paid for. "For the wages of sin is death. . ." (Romans 6:23).
But the Bible also teaches us that ". . .CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3). GOD demonstrated HIS love for us and our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place.
The good news is that the LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). CHRIST loved us and gave HIMSELF for us as payment for our sin.
You may ask, "How can GOD forgive my sin ?" HE can because of what JESUS did. ". . . While we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us" (Romans 5:8).
We can have hope.
GOD wants us to know that we can have hope. HE said, ". . .that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish. . ."
Life is fragile, and people are perishing. But CHRIST came ". . .that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants us to know that the ". . .LORD JESUS CHRIST . . . is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1). HE rose from the dead, and HE said, ". . . Because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).
We can have purpose.
GOD wants us to know that we can have purpose in life. HE desires that we ". . . should not perish, but have everlasting life."
"And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25).
You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life ?"
Acknowledge that you are a sinner, "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).
Believe that the LORD JESUS died for you, for "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3).
Call upon the LORD to save you, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13)
If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of salvation:
LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
The LORD JESUS said, ". . .I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28).
Now that you're a Christian:
* Share your new-found faith with your family and friends (Acts 16:31-33).
* Identify with CHRIST through believer's baptism and become part of a local, Bible-believing church (Acts 2:41,47).
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
GULF COAST
BAPTIST CHURCH
312 SE 24th Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 574-1000
Pastor Tom Sexton
www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com
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