The passage reads, “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.” Unfortunately, some interpret faith in this verse to simply believing in Christ as God’s Son and accepting Him as one’s personal Savior. 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). 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? The faith of 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. We see this faith in the life of the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:34). Paul put it this way about the gospel in Romans 16:26, “. . . made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.” The faith of John 3:16 is an obedient faith.
Ken Tyler
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