"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, KJV).
Loved ones, unfortunately, some interpret faith in the above verse as simply believing in Christ as God's Son and accepting Him as one's personal Savior. This mental attitude fails to recognize the relationship between faith, obedience, and salvation.
“And being made perfect, Jesus became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). “8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thess. 1:8-9).
John 3:16 certainly teaches that one is saved by faith. However, we must understand that NOT all faith saves. King Agrippa believed, but was not saved (Acts 26:27-28). The demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). Many of the chief rulers believed on Christ, but would not confess Him (John 12:42-43).
Well, what kind of faith saves? In John 3:16 Jesus is speaking of a faith that will move and motivate the individual to do all Christ says in order to be saved. The faith of John 3:16 is an obedient faith.
We see this faith in the life of the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:30-34). Paul put it this way in Romans 16:26, “according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith…” (cf. Romans 1:5). God is so good. Love you. Samuel – 4 October 2026
