John 3:16

Here's the fallacy of Christianity. Not only was the gospel of "John" written in the mid-2nd century (and certainly NOT by "John" the "disciple") but this verse contradicts a verse in the SAME BOOK just two chapters later. John 5:24-- "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and BELIEVES HIM WHO SENT ME has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." As you can see, the emphasis is on God, not the Jeezer. Oops.

The very foundation of the Christian faith!

Like FranksWildYears I remember that asshole who used to hold up a sign with this on it at every World Series game. Truthfully, if God had told me that he would get me primo seats for sporting events, I'd have have held up any sign he wanted. Hell, I would have developed stigmata if he wanted.

Like a lot of people of my generation this verse reached me and found its way into my consciousness as a result of that dude in the green/yellow/pink wig who sat behind home plate holding a sign that read "John 3:16" at most World Series games in the 1970's. Only a powerful and a loving god would be able to get one of his flock such sweet seats for every game of the series.

This verse tells us that we need to believe in him to have everlasting life. In the preceeding verses it tells of him being lifted up, which is a reference to the cross. It tells us that he loves us. He gave of himself.

The entire passage really captures what Christ's ministry was all about. John 3:16-21 should be required reading for any Christian, or anyone who seeks to understand more about the faith. Here's the entire passage: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." The beauty of... Read more

Many have called this "The Bible in one verse". Even if this verse would be the whole Bible, it would still be enough to tell us what God's plan for mankind is. As Max Lucado would say: "if you don't know this verse, learn it, if you know it, come back to it".

This verse needs no introduction.

Influential when in its context, misguiding if verse is taken out of context!! Anyone who is a good student of study, will understand my point! When we pull scripture out by itself we really destroy the context it came from. Verses are great to review out of context but remember were it came from and the lesson that was being taught! But yes a great Verse!John 3: 16-21.  The New Birth1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him. 3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mothers womb and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom o... Read more

I love this verse of Scripture.  And the directions are so easy to follow.

The verse is beyond beautiful, and in it's perfect context, but it is not the gospel that saves us today, that would be 1 Cor 15:1-4. John 3:16 is wonderful truth, but still no mention of the blood and the resurrection and salvation by grace in J3:16, and of course not, that would come later through the pen of Paul.

Loses points for overuse. . .then again, I'm a Corinthians man myself. . .

A classic, and probably the first one I ever learned. I can still remember every word of it. It's so true, and it jsut really protrays the point of everything. Someone could love us so much that he'd be willing to sacrifice his son for us, so we could have eternal life, that's pretty amazing.

This would have to be one of my most favourate verses because it shows us that God loves everyone and salvation is easy. This is a touching verse.

Whyeth dideth the people talketh liketh that unto the olde Bible? What abouteth the womeneth?

HEY RALPH! Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. JOHN 14:6