3:16Sample

An Invitation to Believe

In John 3:16, Jesus gives a life-changing invitation, one centered on belief. To "believe," in this context, is more than simply agreeing mentally with a set of facts; it is a wholehearted trust in Jesus as one's personal Savior.

In Jesus' time, many people sought signs or relied on their heritage for salvation. But Jesus made it clear that eternal life comes not through works or lineage but through faith in Him and Him alone.Romans10:9-10 reinforces this truth: "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."

Such belief in Jesus Christ is both personal and transformative. It changes how we see ourselves, God, and the world around us. Moreover, Jesus' gift of salvation is entirely by God's grace; it is not something we can earn. Paul makes this clear in his letter to the church in Ephesus: "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Faith begins with accepting this invitation and grows as we walk daily with Jesus. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."

O God Most High, thank You for inviting me to believe in Your Son and receive eternal life. Strengthen my faith and help me trust You in every aspect of my life. Let my belief in You transform my heart and guide my steps. Amen.