John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

John 3:16 is probably one of the most familiar verses in the Bible. It is the one that we teach young children early on and almost always the verse that pops up at major sporting events on banners. This verse is the heart of God and a promise that salvation is available for anyone who chooses to put their trust in God. However, there are some that teach that salvation is only available to a select few and that the rest of us will unfortunately not be allowed to enter the kingdom of God after we pass away from this world. Fortunately, this is not the God we serve.

The reality of what the cross meant is that God is desiring all mankind to turn to Him and “not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9).  Yes, things like “predestination” and words like, “the elect” are mentioned in the Bible. But predestination is referring to God’s predetermined choice to allow salvation for all who would come to Him and for the plans He has for them. And the elect is those that He is aware that will answer the call and receive Him, not for only a special few. God has chosen to send His Son to die so that all might have a chance at eternal life. He has predetermined this and called everyone to become sons and daughters of the King! 

God Bless,

Pastor Paul Provencio