Scripture Reading

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Insight on the Word

He that believeth! There is no exception, everyone can be saved (John 3:16). The word “believeth” denotes the act and process of faith. It comes from the Greek verb “pisteuo” which occurs 248 times in the New Testament. This use of the present tense indicates that faith must be continued in to receive its benefits (Colossians 1:23).

The word for “believeth not” is translated from the Greek word “apeitheo” and means not to allow one’s self to be persuaded to comply with, or obey. Notice it is one who does not believe and obey, proving that “believeth” implies obedience and not only mental acceptance. Yes, salvation is more than mental acceptance; it is an experience.

The choice is ours, we may believe not and loose out on God’s free gift of salvation, insuring a destiny of eternal damnation (Mark 16:16). But the good news for everyone is that we may also believe on the Son Jesus, and receive everlasting life (1 John 5:13).

Everlasting life is another way of saying “perpetual life.” That is: life that never ends. But it is more than just human life with no ending, it is the God kind of life that never ends. In reality when God gives us everlasting life He allows us to “be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). We become “new creatures in Christ,” “old things are passed away, behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). With this life we are assured of everlasting life in Heaven, to be enjoyed with the Father for evermore!

But what about those who have not believed? Today make it a point to share your faith with someone who is in need of eternal life. Ask the Lord to lead to that special person that needs to hear the good news of God’s love and His everlasting life.

Speak the Word — I have believed on the Son and I have everlasting life! (John 3:36)

Daily Bible Reading — Exodus 21 – 24