Gospel in a Nutshell

One of the most well known Bible verses is John 3:16. It is so well known that some people will just use the reference "John 3:16" and not even write out the words to the verse. A famous restaurant in the western United States does this with their drink cups!

Why is the verse so popular? It is often called "The Gospel in a Nutshell." Gospel means 'good news' and in a nutshell means a very condensed version of something. The good news of Jesus is condensed down in this verse, but the verse that follows is also really important, as well.

John 3:16-17New International Version (NIV)

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Many people who are not Christians do not understand that God does not intend to condemn the world. They might feel like God is angry at them for not following His Ten Commandments perfectly. Memorizing these two verses can help you remember why Jesus came, and why we are happy to be Christians!