I John 3:1-5

To show through John 3:16 why we can affirm what the church fathers declared concerning eternal life for God’s people.

A statement often repeated is, “there is nothing free in this life”. This identified the fact that there is a price attached to just about everything we experience in one way or another.

The most familiar verse from the Bible, John 3:16, however, tells us of something that is a gift given that any person can claim, and has no price tag, hidden or obvious.

We are looking at the final statement of the Apostle’s Creed which states, “I believe in eternal or everlasting life”.

What is the gift? Eternal life! This is a gift that is above all other gifts. It is a unique gift. We need to look at it further. Several things are important to note.

• The source of the gift
  • God so loved the world
  • All of life is from God (Genesis 1:1)
    • He is creator of all things
  • Life was forfeited by the choice of disobedience (Genesis 2:17)
    • God gave warning
    • God means what He says
• The act
  • He gave His only Son
  • A gift of immeasurable value and price
  • A gift freely given (Romans 6:23)
• The condition
  • That whoever believes in Him should not perish
    • Whoever – Anyone
    • Believe, have faith in Jesus as Savior
      • What it isn’t
      • What it is
• The result
  • Everlasting life
    • The assurance
      • Jesus’ discussion with Martha after Lazarus’ death (John 11:25-26)
      • The anticipation (I John 3:2)
        • We shall be changed
        • We shall be like Him

Therefore, we can affirm this great truth which the Bible declares, the followers of Jesus believed, the church father affirmed, and we can wholeheartedly believe today. I believe in eternal life!