THE GOD OF SALVATION

INTRODUCTION

Today I begin to preach the most quoted, most memorized, most famous verse of Bible. This verse if the Key Verse of the Bible. Is called “the little Gospel.” Matthew Henry: “the word of reconciliation in miniature.” Luther: “repeat this verse at least once a day...for the strengthening of your faith.”

It is a powerful verse. It is a simple verse - just 25 words. Our intellect can’t fully comprehend its depth, philosophy can’t substitute its essential truth, and ages of political opposition and criticism, false religion’s claims, and even atheism can’t destroy it’s saving power. It is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

This one little verse - one sentence - is the root of historic Christianity. From its content we catch a glimpse of the loving heart of eternal God, see the essence of saving faith, and learn the glorious hope of God’s salvation in us.

The verse? Quote it with me... John 3:16

The setting for John 3:16 is Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus - a religious man, a ruler of the Jews, a Pharisee, a teacher of the law. Nicodemus wanted to talk personally and privately with Jesus and sought an evening meeting. Nicodemus is puzzled by what Jesus says, his religious knowledge was short the belief Jesus talked about. Nicodemus defended Jesus at His trial, he was there at the grave when Jesus died, it is believed that he in all that he finally understood and became a believer in Jesus. The words that began to change Nicodemus that night have been changing people’s lives for 2000 years since then. Have the words of John 3:16 changed your?

Like all miniatures, we must examine it carefully and meticulously. Today we shall look at just two - three letter words: “For God...”

1. Salvation Begins with God.

• The truth of Jesus’ words begin with God, “For God”


• The truth of salvation begins with God, “For God”


• “For” points back to the immediate context. It means “because of.” Because of God one can be “born again,” because of God one can enter the “kingdom of God” v. 3. v. 15 because of God whoever believes may have “eternal life.” You are saved because of God, not because of you.
  
• “God” - God is the initiator of salvation. “God” = “Theos” = the one, true and living God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. The only God of Heaven and Earth.


• A God who acts, speaks, reveals Himself through creation, the written Word of God the Scriptures, and the incarnate word of God Jesus Christ.


• Infinite yet Intimate. Words cannot capture God, He is the Holy Other, far beyond our understanding. Yet we should spend a lifetime trying...


• Some great hymns attempt descriptions of God: “Immortal, Invisible,” “I Sing the Mighty Power of God.” Yet they still can’t capture God’s glory, but they help us.


• All our attempts are finite words defining the Infinite; descriptions of the Indescribable.


• Can you grasp a bit of Him? Do you believe He exists? We are created by God. We are sustained daily by God. Salvation was initiated by God. “For God,” “Because of God.” Since salvation begins with God, let us then understand God’s ultimate purpose is to bring us to God.

2. Salvation brings us to God.

• God desires a relationship with us, His greatest creation. He is the giver of life and the giver of eternal life.


• John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”


• We get to know God. Have a personal relationship with Him. Because of God, we mere mortal, frail people have the honor to know, experience, appreciate, love, and live forever with the great Almighty True God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.


• We are going to see in John 3:16 that it is Jesus who brings us to God. Through Jesus God’s only Son we can know God. And only by Jesus.
Socrates the Greek Philosopher who lived 400 years before Christ: “Oh, that someone would arise, man or god, to show us God.”


• Someone arose - literally - that is what we celebrated last weekend - to show us God. Salvation begins with God and brings us to God. You can personally experience God “FOR GOD so loved the world (you)...”

CONCLUSION

Do you believe God exists? Do you know God? Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Is Jesus Christ your Savior? Have you turned from your sin and turned to God to be forgiven and be given eternal life? What is your salvation story?

Today’s Salvation Story: John Ringer

What is your story? Do you need to make a decision to receive Christ? Or a decision to grow in your faith with Christ?

Praise the Lord last week we had 53 decisions on the Response Card mainly for obedience of life decisions.

Do you need to make a decision today? Salvation, Rededication?

PRAYER