John 3:16 is a very well-known Bible verse that many children learn in Sunday School and adults continue to remember. The verse says, “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.”
First, we see that this is a statement about God and His love for all people. His love is so great that the word “so” is used. His love is so deep, so intense and so long lasting that words could not fully describe it.
Next, we see what His love provided. It provided the greatest gift that anyone could receive (Romans 6:23). God gave the only Son He ever fathered (Luke 1:35), Jesus, the Christ. Jesus is His Son’s name, as spoken by the angel, Gabrielle (Matthew 1:21). Christ (Messiah) indicates that He is the one that was promised would come to redeem the world from sin (Daniel 9:26).
Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.
Finally, we see the benefit to be received by God giving His Son. The Bible informs us that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that the penalty for that sin is death (Romans 6:23). Therefore, death has passed upon all. The only acceptable payment for sin is death. That is why the Old Testament saints gave a lamb to be slain and offered as a sacrifice in payment for their sin. When God gave His only begotten Son, He was recognized by John the Baptist as the Lamb that taketh away the sins of the world (John 1:29). This Jesus did, when He allowed Himself to be crucified on the cross. Jesus had no sin, but He died on the cross for our sins and paid for each of our sins. Our sins have been paid for by Jesus. If we accept that payment, we receive eternal life by grace through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9) and will never face the punishment for our sins.
Have you received God’s forgiveness of your sins by receiving Jesus Christ as your Saviour?