Chapter 3

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 3 The kingdom of God ought to be our ultimate goal (John 3:3, 5)! The kingdom is mentioned three times in the gospel of John (3:3, 5; 18:36). Jesus presents the kingdom as that which we must endeavor to “see” and “enter.” The kingdom of God is the church (cf. Matt. 16:18-19; Col. 1:13, 18). One enters the kingdom/church through baptism (John 3:3, 5; 1 Cor. 12:13).

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 3 The new birth is plainly defined and easily understood (John 3:1-9)! There is one birth composed of two essential elements (water and Spirit)! Both elements are equally necessary! Jesus said this “must” be done (John 3:7)!

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 3 Bible baptism is immersion! The Greek word itself (baptizo) means “to immerse, submerge, dip.” “To be born of” indicates a “coming out of/raised” (cf. Rev. 1:5; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4). John chose a place to baptize “because there was much water there” (John 3:22-23).

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 3 The love of God is too wonderful and too powerful to fully comprehend or appreciate! GOD – SO – LOVED! What did man do? “Men loved darkness rather than light” (John 3:19)! “God did NOT send His Son into the world to condemn the world…” (John 3:17)!

Vital Concepts & Truths to Know in John 3 Light & darkness are frequently contrasted in John (1:4-9; 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:35-36, 46). Light represents truth, understanding, the presence of Christ. Darkness represents sin, evil, wickedness, error. Light/Truth are always shown to drive out darkness/error. Living in either realm is a choice (see “practicing” and “does” in John 3:19-21). God’s plan of salvation, involving both faith and baptism, is plainly taught! (see next section)

An Overview of John 3 Theme of John 3: “Salvation Is of God” Man’s Salvation Is Tied To: The kingdom of God – seeing it; entering it (Jn. 3:3, 5). Eternal life (John 3:15, 16, 36). Being saved (John 3:17). Not perishing or being condemned or suffering the wrath of God (John 3:15-18, 36).

An Overview of John 3 Theme of John 3: “Salvation Is of God” Man’s Salvation Required the Death of Jesus! Like those bitten by serpents (Num. 21:6-9), man is dying – this time in sin! “Even so MUST the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14; cf. 12:32-34). The Greek word for “must” is dei, and it means something is “necessary.” Man’s salvation would be impossible without the death of Jesus! It was/is a must! God sent His Son, “that the world through Him might be saved” (3:17; cf. Acts 4:12).

An Overview of John 3 Theme of John 3: “Salvation Is of God” Man’s Salvation Requires Faith! “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life” (John 3:15-18, 36). This chapter says much about believing. Notice the emphasis: “Believes in Him...in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (3:15-18). Man can only be saved through Christ (John 3:17)! We must follow Christ’s plan! John 3 does not teach or even imply that salvation is by faith alone!

An Overview of John 3 Theme of John 3: “Salvation Is of God” Man’s Salvation Requires a Decision! John the Baptizer found his joy, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (3:30). Greek word dei – i.e., “It is necessary for Him to increase. I must get out of the way!”

An Overview of John 3 Theme of John 3: “Salvation Is of God” Man’s Salvation Requires Baptism! Baptism is not optional in the plan of God! “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (3). “Unless one is born of water & the Spirit, he cannot enter…” (5). “You must be born again” (John 3:7). To be in the family of God, one must be “born” into it (Jn. 1:13; 1 Pet. 1:23; 2:2). Compare the word “unless” in John 3:2 about Jesus with John 3:3, 5 about baptism. Compare the word “must” in John 3:14 about Jesus, with John 3:30 about John the Baptizer, and with John 3:7 about baptism.

An Overview of John 3 Theme of John 3: “Salvation Is of God” Man’s Salvation Requires Action! John ties (1) Jesus’ death with (2) our response to lead to (3) eternal life. Our response is one of believing and obeying! The emphasis in John 3:12-18 is on believing (seven times in those verses). The three verses that follow (3:19-21) emphasize deeds: “loved,” “their deeds,” “everyone practicing,” “does not come,” “his deeds should be exposed,” “does the truth,” “comes to the light,” “his deeds may be clearly seen,” “done in God.” Within the same context, John emphasized faith & deeds! Both are necessary!

An Overview of John 3 Theme of John 3: “Salvation Is of God” Man’s Salvation Requires Action! In the last verse of the chapter, believing and obeying are considered equals! John 3:36 contrasts believing in the Son and not obeying the Son. In other words, to “believe in the Son” is to “obey the Son.” True faith and true obedience go hand-in-hand. One cannot exist without the other!

How Chapter 3 Helps to Fulfill the Overall Purpose of the Gospel of John Jesus Is Affirmed to Be from God! “We know that You are a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). “For no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (3:2). “He…came down from heaven…” (John 3:13). “He who comes from above is above all…” (John 3:31). “…He who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:31). Jesus Is Affirmed to Represent God! Jesus is “the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16). “What He has seen and heard, that He testifies” (John 3:32). “He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true” (3:33). “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God” (John 3:34). “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand” (3:35). To believe in Christ is to believe in the Father. To believe in the Father is to believe in Christ. To reject Christ brings condemnation & the wrath of God (36). When one truly believes in the name of Christ, eternal life is his (3:15-16, 36)!