Meditation today: A summary of the whole Gospel

"Because God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not die but can have eternal life". John 3:16

This passage of Scripture from the Gospel of John is familiar. Often, at large public events such as sports games, we may find someone showing a sign that says, "John 3:16". The reason for this is that this passage offers a simple but clear summary of the entire Gospel.

There are four basic truths that we can draw from this Scripture. Let's take a look at each of them briefly.

First, it is clear that the Father in Heaven loves us. We know this, but we will never fully understand the depth of this truth. God the Father loves us with a deep and perfect love. It is a deeper love than anything else we could ever experience in life. His love is perfect.

Reflect today on this summary of the entire Gospel

Second, the love of the Father was made manifest by the gift of His Son Jesus. It is a profound act of love for the Father to give us his Son. The Son meant everything to the Father and the gift of the Son to us means that the Father gives us everything. He gives us his own life in the person of Jesus.

Third, the only appropriate response we can give to such a gift is faith. We need to believe in the transforming power of the Son's acceptance into our lives. This gift as a gift that gives us everything we need. The Son in our life by believing in his mission and giving our life to him in exchange.

Fourth, the result of receiving Him and giving our lives in return is that we are saved. We will not perish in our sin; rather, we will be given eternal life. There is no other way to salvation than through the Son. We must know, believe, accept and embrace this truth.

Reflect today on this summary of the entire Gospel. Read it several times and memorize it. Taste every word and know that by embracing this short passage of Scripture, you are embracing the whole truth of God.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the perfect gift of Christ Jesus, your Son. By giving us Jesus, you give us your own heart and soul. May I be open to You more fully and to the perfect gift of Jesus in my life. I believe in you, my God. Please increase my faith and my love. Jesus I believe in you.