INTRODUCTION: In these verses we see Jesus attempting to explain to a theological professor what he should already know. Nicodemus was a worker of the law. He came to Jesus for enlightenment.

He knew Jesus was OF God, but did not know He was God. He called Him Rabbi Master. He knew no man could perform the miracles that Jesus had performed and not be OF God.

Nicodemus could not understand how a man could be born again. He couldn’t grasp the differences between water birth and the spiritual rebirth that Christ offered.

Jesus clearly rebuked him for not knowing his scriptures.

I. WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH (3:16)

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

A. We Have The Choice Of Eternal Life
1. 1st key word “believeth”
i. We must believe first
ii. Then we call on Christ’s name
iii. Salvation is then given
2. 2nd key word “Whosoever”
i. Any person
a. Born
b. Conceived
c. Aborted
d. Yet to be born
3. God gave us a choice
4. God tells us to choose Jesus His Son

B. We Do Have The Choice
1. A life without
i. Tribulations
ii. Sickness or pain
iii. Monthly bills
iv. Daily complications
2. A life of
i. Joy
ii. Happiness
iii. Being in the presence of God
iv. Being in the presence of Jesus the Christ

C. We Could Choose A Life In Hell
1. In total separation from God and His Son Jesus.
2. Burning with an unquenchable fire

II. HOW CAN THIS BE? (3:16)

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

A. God So loved The World
1. How could He love the world?
2. How could He love me?

Give my testimony

B. God Commended His Love To Me

(Romans 5:8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1. While I was drunk God loved me
2. Even after rejecting Him several times

C. God’s Love Demonstrated On Calvary
1. Jesus readily climbed on that tree
2. Jesus died an horrific death
i. Unimaginable by me
ii. We tend to see the Christ on the cross as the Roman Catholics portray Him
a. Serene in death
b. A calmness

C. Consider A Wallowed Out Hole
1. A pre-used hole
2. Used many times over and over
3. Tired slaves
i. Jesus meant nothing to them
ii. He was just another person being executed
iii. They were glad it wasn’t them
iv. It was just a job

D. God Gave His Only Begotten Son
1. God’s Love demonstrated on Calvary

III. WE WILL NOT PERISH (3:16)
A. We Cannot Lose Our Salvation

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1. We are promised eternal life
i. It isn’t on a thirty day trial offer.
ii. It isn’t good until the next church service.
iii. It isn’t and Hourly/ weekly thing God gives out.
2. The verse says it is an eternal, everlasting salvation.

B. We Are Not Condemned

(John 3:17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

1. We are saved from Hell
2. I know where I am going
i. Do you?

Conclusion: I know this has been a simple message and I maybe speaking in effect to the choir, you know those who profess salvation. The one thing I do know is that I don’t know for absolutely sure of any other persons salvation, except mine.

A. I know salvation is and has always been by faith.
1. In about 800 B.C. Joel stated

(Joel 2:32) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:
2. Joel didn’t mention works
3. Peter tells us in Acts

(Acts 2:21) And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

i. Notice that Peter quotes Joel

4. Paul tells us in

(Romans 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

i. Looks like Paul also quoted Joel
5. Paul also tells us in Ephesians

(Ephesians 2:8-9) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

B. It Is By Faith Not Works
1. How did Abraham get saved?
i. No law
ii. No 10 Commandments
iii. No Church
iv. No Preacher
v. No Sunday School
vi. No King James Bible
2. How did Sarah get saved?

You see our religion is a relationship thing. It isn’t a religion, it is a “I know” relationship with God and His Son Jesus Christ.

We make the choice, not our parents, not our children, not our church, you and I make the decision, whether we want heaven or hell.

What is your choice?