John 3:16-18: The Way to Become a Christian

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”  

These verses, often called the “Gospel in a nutshell”, encapsulate the central message of Christianity: God’s love for humanity, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the path to salvation.

How to Become a Christian

According to these verses, the way to become a Christian is to believe in Jesus Christ. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a trusting reliance on Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

• C.H. Spurgeon emphasises that this belief involves a surrender of the whole person to Christ. It is not enough to admire Jesus or acknowledge His teachings; we must place our complete faith in Him for salvation.
• Matthew Henry highlights the necessity of repentance and turning away from sin. True belief leads to a changed life as we seek to follow Christ’s example.

God’s Love and the Gift of Salvation

The foundation of salvation is God’s immeasurable love for the world.

• John 3:16 declares that God’s love was so great that He gave His only Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. This act demonstrates the depth of God’s love and His desire for all people to be saved.
• Matthew Henry emphasises the wonder of God’s love for a “worthless world.” This love motivates God’s offer of salvation and should inspire us to respond with gratitude and faith.

The Consequences of Belief and Unbelief

These verses also present a stark contrast between the consequences of belief and unbelief.

• John 3:17-18 states that those who believe in Jesus are not condemned, but those who do not believe are already condemned. This condemnation is not an arbitrary punishment from God but a natural consequence of rejecting His offer of salvation.
• C.H. Spurgeon reminds us that unbelief is a rejection of God’s love and mercy. It is a choice to remain in darkness rather than embrace the light of Christ.

Conclusion

John 3:16-18 provides a clear and concise explanation of the way to become a Christian. It calls us to respond to God’s love by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of our sins, and living a life devoted to Him. As both Spurgeon and Henry emphasise, this belief is not merely a one-time event but a lifelong journey of following Christ and experiencing the fullness of His salvation.