Someone has called John 3:1616For 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) “The gospel in a nut shell.” By this is meant that this verse tells out in the simplest possible manner God’s love in giving His Son, and that a sinner may know that he possesses eternal life through believing in Him. There isn’t much room inside the shell of a nut, is there? And so in this verse of but a few words, God has made known to us His wonderful way of salvation. I would like to tell you a story of how God used this verse in blessing.
A few years ago a farmer received a copy of God’s precious Word—the Bible. Although he was very religious he had not read the Bible very often before this time—perhaps not at all. But God was working in his heart, and so having started, he read more and more of God’s wonderful Book. When he came to John 3:16,16For 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) he paused. What beautiful words they were—and they were addressed to him too, for the verse said “Whosoever,” and he knew that meant him. He read it again. Yes, he could know that he had everlasting life, because that was exactly what God said. Right there and then he believed it and was saved.
Like everyone else who is truly saved, he wanted others to know. his Saviour too, especially those at home. He called his wife and read. the verse to her “Read it again,” she said, and so he did. “Read it once more,” she said. The wonderful life-giving words entered her heart too, and she passed from death unto life.
Their neighbors wondered what had happened to them. Even to this day their happy faces and changed lives tell out that they have found the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. They have proved for themselves that by believing the Word of God they can KNOW that they have everlasting life. Dear reader, Have you taken God at His Word? Can you say you have everlasting life?
ML 02/19/1950