John 3:16 — The Gospel in a Nutshell

“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.” KJV

The Gospel is the Good News, presented in the Bible, from God to mankind. John 3:16 has been called the “gospel in a nutshell”, because it lays out simply and succinctly this good news.

1. God’s Love “For God so loved the world…” The good news starts with God’s love for His creation. In the beginning, God created everything, including mankind. And, he has loved mankind from that very first moment. Genesis 1, 2.

2. God’s Gift “…that He gave His only Son…” God had a wonderful gift for mankind, His Son. In fact, all of the Bible is the story of this gift. From the moment that sin entered the world, in Genesis chapter 3, a Savior was promised, Genesis 3:15. The gift of the Savior was anticipated throughout the Old Testament of the Bible, and fulfilled when Christ came to the earth as a baby, in Matthew 1, to die and rise again, Matthew 26-28.

3. Belief “… that whosoever believes in Him…” The gospel is salvation to those who believe — who look in faith to Jesus as the one who can blot out their sins. Romans 10: 9-10, 13 Acts 16:31

4. Sin “…should not perish…” Without the gift of God’s son, and faith in Jesus, all of mankind is doomed to perish for their sins. This spiritual death began when Adam and Eve sinned, Genesis 3. And, passed to all people. Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23

5. Everlasting Life “… but have everlasting life…” The gift that comes with repentance of sins and faith in Jesus Christ is a new spiritual life that will continue forever! Romans 6:23, II Corinthians 5:17

To learn more, read the whole book of John in the New Testament. And then, keep reading. : )

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17