Digging Deeper: The Priceless Gift
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (ESV)
THE PRICELESS GIFT
Trivia question: What Bible verse was referenced on a sign held up by the “Rainbow Man” at many of the major sporting events during the late 70’s and early 80’s? Hint: He wore a rainbow-colored wig and always managed to get brief on-camera time during the network broadcast. Answer: The verse is John 3:16, and Rainbow Man is Rollen Stewart. Unfortunately, the professed born-again Christian and evangelist is serving a life sentence for multiple kidnappings.
If you ask someone (Christian or non-Christian) to recite one Bible verse, John 3:16 would probably be one of the most often-quoted. This one verse succinctly describes the message of the Gospel. Let’s unpack each section of this powerful verse:
1) “For God so loved the world” – God initiates the love. In John’s first epistle, he writes, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, ESV). God has loved the world from the beginning. He has been pursuing us from the start.
2) “He gave his only Son” – This is the most precious gift he could give. A chasm was created between God and man as a result of the Fall of Adam and Eve. God, in his infinite wisdom and endless love, created a way to bridge that divide. The price was immeasurable, but the cost was worth the gain. God loves us that much!
3) “Whoever believes in Him” – There is a requirement associated with this gift – One must believe in God’s Son. This is not merely an intellectual understanding of who Jesus is, but it is the act of placing your trust and faith in the one who came to “take away the sins of the world” (see 1 John 3:5).
4) “Should not perish but have eternal life” – The act of sending His Son as the perfect lamb was designed so that all who believe and “call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13, ESV). Belief in Jesus guarantees that God’s love for us will never end, and we will be with Him for eternity!
As you celebrate Christmas this year, take a moment to reflect on the immense love of God, the priceless gift that He gave, the cost of that gift, and the eternal implications of that gift. The gifts we give to one another during this season, no matter how special the gift, and no matter how much thought and cost went into obtaining the gift, pale in comparison to the gracious, life-saving gift that God has offered us on Christmas morning (see Ephesians 2:8).
Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.