“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.
This is arguably one of the most recognized verses in the Bible. You see it everywhere, from greeting cards, billboards, even in sports. But what does it actually mean? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is often referred to as “lamb of God”. I used to think this was just a way of saying that Jesus was this perfect little lamb that could do no wrong. Lambs were frequently used as sacrificial offerings to God in Old Testament times. Jesus Christ being the lamb of God truly meant that He was a sacrificial offering for the people of Israel. Since Jesus was offered as a perfect sacrifice by God for our sins, we have all been saved by His grace. Can you imagine? God loves us so much that he offered his only Son in order that we may all have eternal life with Him in Heaven!
I think that John 3:17, although maybe not as well known, is just as important: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” We all have infinite grace, by the power of God and through Jesus Christ, so we may all be saved by Him. Jesus is not here to condemn us for our sins but rather to save us from our sinful nature.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29 (ESV).