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.

                                                                                                                  John 3:16

If you own a television or have been to any major sporting event you've probably seen this verse plastered on a sign. In fact if you've ever been to Sunday School or if you have ever gone to church with your grandma you probably even heard the teacher or pastor quote it. John 3:16 is easily the most recognized verse out there, but what does it mean? What does it mean, as John put it, "have everlasting life?"

Everlasting life is the answer to everlasting death. The reality of everlasting death came to fruition through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. God told them:

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

Genesis 2:16 - 17

"When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked;"

Genesis 3:6 - 7

Through their disobedience all men are born condemned and destined for eternal damnation. The book of Romans says this about Adam's disobeying God:

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

Romans 5:12

The Glory of God, His holiness, can accept only those who are perfect and have not sinned. The Bible says:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

Romans 3:23

What is the end of man? Eternal death and damnation! Cut off from his friends and family, totally alone, burning in fire forever but worse cut off from God Almighty!

"The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Revelation 21:8

If God can only accept those who are righteous how can we who are born condemned have everlasting life?

That's where John 3:16 comes into play.  God loved you so much that He was willing to come live a perfect life among men and ultimately sacrifice Himself so that you could have a way of escape. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for you and satisfied your sin-debt with God. How does a person get saved? The Word of God says this about salvation:

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Romans 10:9 - 10

Trust Jesus Christ with your life, with your heart and with your future; repent of your sin and believe that Jesus Christ is Who He says that He is: The Son of God Who died for your sins and rose again victorious over death and the grave!

This matter is of such great importance that we don't want you to feel you have to figure out true salvation all on your own. Please feel free to call Pastor Mike or the church if you have any questions about salvation. We look forward to speaking to you about our Savior Jesus Christ!