The Simple Path to Salvation

As we wrap up our exploration of John 3:16-21, we arrive at the means by which God's love reaches us. Today, we'll uncover the simple yet profound way that anyone can receive God's gift of eternal life.

John 3:16b "...that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

How can a person be made right with God? How can you be saved from eternal hell? This is the message of Christianity, and it comes down to one word: faith.

Not by things you do. Not by religion. Not by philanthropy. Not by pedigree or ministerial ability. The word of God says "whoever believes."

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, not as a result of works, so that no man can boast." This has always been and will always be the one indispensable channel by which God bridges to us His grace and mercy—faith.

Even going back to the beginning of the Bible, Genesis 15:6 tells us, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” It's not faith plus something; it's faith alone. That's the great message of the Reformation.

But what exactly do we need to believe? Let's remove all ambiguity. First, we must believe that God is a holy Creator and we have fallen short of His glory. Second, we must recognize that we are sinful. No one cries out for sight unless they realize they're blind. No one looks to the bronze serpent lifted up on the pole unless they recognize they've been snake bit. And no one looks to the Son of Man who was lifted up for the forgiveness of sins unless they understand they've been corrupted by sin to their very core.

We must also believe that Jesus is God. This is the main theme of John's argument. John 20:31 says, "These things I write to you so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, and in believing, you may have life in His name."

And we must believe that Jesus died for our sin and rose again. Romans 10 tells us, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe that He died and God raised Him from the grave, you will be saved."

But saving faith is more than affirming these facts—it's loving the person of Jesus Christ. To believe in Jesus and to receive Jesus are one and the same. To receive Him for all that He is: King, Savior, Friend, Master.

The promise for those who believe is eternal life. John mentions eternal life fifteen times in his gospel, and it doesn't just refer to the quantity of life but the quality of life. It's not just a "then and there" reality—it's a "here and now" thing.

Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God—a rich relationship with Him, a communion with Him. That's what makes heaven heaven. What we see dimly now, we'll experience with full vibrancy when we meet Him face to face.

Stay dialed in, 
Jonny Ardavanis