“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Simply stated, this verse tells us four things: God Loved, God Gave, We Believe, We Live
GOD LOVED: God created all there is out of love, and He created each and every one of us
to know and be known by Him (Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:11, 1 Corinthians 13:12, John 17:3)
to love and be loved by Him (Matthew 22:34-40)
to love one another (Matthew 22:34-40)
However, mankind used his own free will to disobey God and sin entered the world (Genesis 1-3). Sin (rebellion/disobedience to God) separates mankind from fellowship/friendship with God (Isaiah 59:2). Not only have we all sinned (Romans 3:23), but we are dead in our sins. They separate us from fellowship/friendship with God. Because of sin, we cannot know God, love Him, or truly love others.
GOD GAVE: God gave His Son to fix the sin problem, to fix the broken relationship between God and man. He sent Jesus to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). To all who will put their faith (trust) in Him, Jesus restores our fellowship with God by…
Forgiving us of sin and giving us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Giving us eternal life (John 3:16)
Making us part of God’s family (John 1:12-13)
WE BELIEVE: Whoever believes on Jesus will receive this restored fellowship with God (John 3:16). This is eternal life (knowing God and Jesus…John 3:16), and it is a free gift God offers us through Jesus. We can never earn it. We we receive it as a gift from Him (Romans 6:23).
WE LIVE: When we put our faith (trust) in Jesus, the Bible tells us that we receive eternal life. Eternal life is not just about one day going to heaven (though this is definitely a wonderful part of the deal). Jesus tells us that eternal life is about having a personal relationship with God (knowing the Father and the Son) (John 17:3). Furthermore, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit of God to live within us now, to teach us, and to guide us through this life (John 14:16-17).
HOW CAN I BE SAVED?
One day the Holy Spirit of God will show you your need for Jesus. When He does, you simply receive His free gift of salvation (John 6:23). Believe on Jesus, TRUSTING Him as your Savior (forgiver of your sins) and your Lord (your King). Sample prayer: “Jesus, here I am. I want to receive your gift of salvation. Would you be my Savior and my Lord? I want to know you, to know the Father, and to be filled with your Spirit.”
Along with your decision to follow Jesus will come a “changing of direction,” or a “changing of the mind.” This is called repentance, and it has to do with our decision to turn from “going our own way” to “following Jesus.” This doesn’t mean that you’ll be perfect. It doesn’t mean you’ll “get everything right.” However, as you keep believing on Jesus (entrusting yourself to Him), you’ll notice how He’s changing you and your direction!
Original Source: The idea of presenting the plan of salvation came from Pastor Adrian Rogers, founder of Love Worth Finding, though further explanation and additional verses have been included.