John 3:16 OT Picture of Faith

Today we continue to try and help people get a better understanding of John 3:16.  It should be more than a poster in the end zone.  It should be more than a memorized verse.

Jesus here is having a conversation with Nicodemus a ruler of the Pharisees.  As he explains His statement, “You must be born again.”  Then Jesus takes Nicodemus back to Numbers 21 and refers to a situation when the Israelites have come under the disciplining hand of God.  They had begun to speak out in rebellion against God and Moses.  So God sent poisonous snakes into the camp.  Any individuals that were bitten would die.  Finally, people began to turn back to God and asked Moses for help.  He was told to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole.  If anyone would look to the snake he would not die the certain death from the snakebite.

Jesus used this as an illustration in verse  14, “and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so must the son of man be lifted up that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

A look of faith trusting God’s word about the bronze snake would save the Israelites.  Likewise, a look of Faith to Jesus Christ trusting in the blood that he shed on the cross would save any sinner from eternal punishment.  The other side of this statement is that those who do not have faith in Jesus Christ will perish.  To perish is to face eternal damnation, separation from God in the Lake of Fire.

Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ or are you walking in rebellion to God trying to make your own way to heaven?  As is seen in this passage religion is not enough.  You must ask forgiveness trusting in Jesus Christ and His shed blood, and nothing else.  Take time now to consider what you are truly trusting in for your eternal salvation.

A video version of this is available at www.fbclittletonil.org/FirstWord.html