Institute of the Living Light

The Gospel of John: The Belief in Jesus Christ

Belief in Jesus Christ stands at the heart of the Christian faith. For those who follow Him, this belief is not just an intellectual assent but a transformative experience that reshapes one’s life and eternity. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Gospel of John, where the apostle paints a profound picture of Jesus as the eternal Word of God, the Light of the world, and the Redeemer of humanity. Two verses in particular—John 3:16 and John 3:36—encapsulate the heart of this belief. These passages offer us insight into God’s love for humanity, the necessity of faith in Christ, and the eternal consequences of that faith.

The Love of God: John 3:16

John 3:16, one of the most famous verses in the Bible, declares, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse is often referred to as the “Gospel in a nutshell” because it summarizes the core message of the Christian faith.

The starting point of belief in Jesus Christ is understanding God’s love. Many people view God as distant, uncaring, or judgmental. However, John 3:16 reveals a different reality. The verse tells us that God loves the world—His creation. The word “world” here refers to humanity as a whole, every man, woman, and child. God’s love is not limited to a specific group or nation but is universal, extending to every person regardless of race, status, or sin. It is this love that motivated God to send His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.

But this love is not just an abstract concept; it is demonstrated through action. God’s love is not passive. It is active and sacrificial. “He gave His one and only Son.” This giving is not just about sending Jesus to earth but involves His sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, left the glory of heaven, took on human flesh, and lived among us. He lived a perfect life, and though He was without sin, He died a sinner’s death on the cross. In this, He bore the punishment for our sins, paying the penalty that we could never pay ourselves.

The Call to Believe: The Invitation of Faith

John 3:16 says, ” whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Here, we see the invitation of faith. This is the response that God calls for: belief. But what does it mean to believe in Jesus?

In the context of the Gospel of John, belief is not simply agreeing with a set of facts about Jesus. It is much deeper. To believe in Jesus is to trust Him completely, to rely on Him as the source of life and salvation. It is to recognize that we are sinners in need of a Savior and that Jesus is the only one who can save us. Belief in Jesus involves a personal relationship with Him, where we not only acknowledge Him as Lord but also follow Him as disciples.

This belief has a profound effect on our present and eternal life. John contrasts two outcomes: perishing and eternal life. To “perish” refers to eternal separation from God, a state of spiritual death. On the other hand, eternal life is not merely living forever, but it is life in its fullest sense—life in the presence of God, characterized by joy, peace, and fulfillment. This eternal life begins the moment we believe in Jesus and will continue for all eternity.

John 3:36: The Assurance and Warning

Later in John 3, the apostle emphasizes the necessity of belief again, but with a sobering addition: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36). This verse parallels John 3:16, but it also highlights the consequences of unbelief.

Here, we see both the promise and the warning. The promise is clear: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Notice that this is present tense—it’s not just a future hope, but a current reality. Eternal life is something believers possess now. It is the gift of salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the relationship with God that begins the moment one believes in Jesus.

However, John 3:36 also gives a sobering warning. “Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” To reject Jesus is to refuse to believe in Him, to deny His identity as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The result of this rejection is tragic. It is the absence of life—both abundant life now and eternal life in the future.

The phrase “God’s wrath remains on them” may seem harsh, but it is essential to understand. The Bible teaches that because of sin, humanity is under the wrath of God. God is holy and just, and He cannot overlook sin. His wrath is His righteous judgment against sin. However, in His love, He has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Jesus are no longer under God’s wrath because Jesus took that wrath upon Himself on the cross. But for those who refuse this gift, the wrath remains.

Belief in Jesus: A Transformative Experience

So, what does it mean to truly believe in Jesus? It means more than just accepting a set of theological truths; it involves a personal, transformative relationship with Him. In John’s Gospel, belief is dynamic and life-changing. When we believe in Jesus, we are born again (John 3:3), we become children of God (John 1:12), and we pass from death to life (John 5:24).

Belief in Jesus is the beginning of a new life. Jesus Himself said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). This full life is marked by peace with God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life. It is a life that is lived in relationship with the God who created us and loves us.

But this belief also calls for action. Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus invites His followers to abide in Him (John 15:4), to follow His commandments (John 14:15), and to love one another (John 13:34-35). Genuine belief in Jesus transforms not only our hearts but also our behavior. It leads us to live in a way that reflects His love and truth to the world around us.

Conclusion

Belief in Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is the key to receiving eternal life and escaping the consequences of sin. As John 3:16 and 3:36 remind us, God’s love for the world is immense, and He offers salvation freely to all who will believe. However, the decision to believe is also a serious one, with eternal consequences.

For those who believe, the promise is clear: eternal life, beginning now and continuing forever in the presence of God. For those who reject this belief, the outcome is equally clear: separation from God and the experience of His righteous judgment. Therefore, the call to believe in Jesus is urgent. Today, Jesus invites us to trust Him, follow Him, and experience the fullness of life that only He can give. Amen.