Chapter 3

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 3Theme 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 3Theme 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 3Theme 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 3Theme 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 3Theme 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 3Theme 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 3Theme 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)!