July 6

His Love; His Gift; His Son

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16 BSB

Of all the stars in the sky, the North Star is the most helpful to sailors. This verse is like the North Star, guiding more souls to salvation than any other Scripture. It shines brightly, just like the constellation known as the Great Bear does among the stars.

Several words in this verse stand out brilliantly. Here, we see God's love with a “so” that shows its infinite greatness. Then, we read about God's incredible gift, given freely and without measure. This gift is His Son—God’s unique, priceless Son, sent to live and die for humanity. These truths are full of light and life.

Next, the requirement of faith is laid out simply: believing in Jesus brings salvation. This is followed by the wide invitation—“whosoever believes in Him.” Many have found hope in that word “whosoever,” which would have shut them out if it were any more restrictive. Finally, there’s the great promise that believers in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life. This is good news for anyone who feels they are lost and powerless to save themselves. When we believe in Jesus, we have eternal life.