that everyoneThe phrase "that everyone" emphasizes the universality of the gospel message. In the context of the New Testament, this was a radical idea, as salvation was often thought to be limited to the Jewish people. This inclusivity is echoed in other scriptures, such as
Galatians 3:28, which states that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. The use of "everyone" underscores the breaking down of barriers and the opening of God's promise to all humanity.
who believes
Belief is a central theme in the Gospel of John, where it is often synonymous with faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The Greek word used here, "pisteuō," implies a deep, personal trust and reliance, not just intellectual assent. This concept is foundational to Christian doctrine, as seen inHebrews 11:6, which states that without faith it is impossible to please God. The emphasis on belief highlights the personal response required to receive the gift of salvation.
in Him
"In Him" refers specifically to Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith. This phrase underscores the necessity of faith being directed towards Jesus, as He is the object of belief.John 14:6 reinforces this by stating that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. The exclusivity of Christ as the means of salvation is a key tenet of Christian theology.
may have eternal life
"Eternal life" is a recurring theme in John's Gospel, representing not just an unending existence but a quality of life that begins now and continues forever in the presence of God. This concept is rooted in the Jewish understanding of life in the age to come, but Jesus expands it to include a present reality.John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. The promise of eternal life is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and is central to the hope offered in the New Testament.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. He is the one in whom belief is required for eternal life.
2.
NicodemusA Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who comes to Jesus at night seeking understanding about His teachings and the concept of being born again.
3.
JerusalemThe city where this conversation takes place, a significant location for Jewish religious life and the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles.
4.
The Serpent in the WildernessAn event referenced earlier in
John 3, where Moses lifted up a bronze serpent in the desert so that those who looked upon it would be healed. This prefigures Jesus being lifted up on the cross.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of FaithBelief in Jesus is essential for eternal life. This faith is not just intellectual assent but a trust and reliance on Him for salvation.
Eternal Life as a Present RealityEternal life begins the moment one believes in Jesus. It is not just a future promise but a present possession.
The Universality of the GospelThe offer of eternal life is available to "everyone" who believes, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
The Symbolism of the CrossJust as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent for healing, we look to Jesus on the cross for spiritual healing and salvation.
The Role of the Holy SpiritUnderstanding and accepting the truth of Jesus' words requires the work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts and regenerates the believer.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 3:15?
2.How does John 3:15 emphasize the necessity of belief for eternal life?
3.What does "everyone who believes" in John 3:15 imply about salvation's availability?
4.How does John 3:15 connect with John 3:16's message of God's love?
5.How can you strengthen your faith to ensure eternal life as John 3:15 states?
6.What practical steps can you take to share John 3:15's promise with others?
7.What does John 3:15 mean by "eternal life" in a modern context?
8.How does John 3:15 relate to the concept of salvation by faith alone?
9.Why is belief in Jesus emphasized in John 3:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 3?
11.Have you obeyed the Gospel of God?
12.How can we find joy and unity in Christ?
13.How does Jesus' promise relate to heaven in Christianity?
14.What does "Son of Man lifted up" mean?What Does John 3:15 Mean
ThatThe verse opens with a purpose clause: “that.” It reaches back to the previous statement—“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). The lifting up of Jesus on the cross is not an end in itself but a means. God’s intent is clear and loving:
•He provides a singular solution for the sin problem (Numbers 21:8-9;Isaiah 45:22).
•The cross is the hinge on which eternal destiny turns (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Everything that follows inJohn 3:15 flows from this divine purpose.
EveryoneThe scope is breathtakingly inclusive: “everyone.” No ethnicity, status, or past sin is disqualifying. Scripture keeps driving home this open invitation:
•“But to all who received Him…He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
•“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek…‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’” (Romans 10:12-13).
The door is wide enough for the whole world—yet narrow in that it requires the response spelled out next.
Who believesBelief is not mere mental assent; it is trusting reliance. Jesus emphasizes it repeatedly:
•“Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47).
•The Philippian jailer heard, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Faith is the hand that receives the gift; works and merit never enter the equation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In HimThe object of faith matters. Eternal life is not found in a philosophy or a set of rules but “in Him”—the lifted-up Son of Man. Jesus claimed exclusivity: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). John later wrote, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11-12). Salvation is personal because it centers on a Person.
May haveThe phrase signals both certainty and present possession. Those who believe do not merely hope to receive life later; they “have” it now. Jesus assured, “Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life…he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).
•Eternal life is a settled gift, not a probation.
•It rests on the finished work of Christ, not on ongoing human performance.
Eternal lifeThe gift is “eternal,” describing both length and quality. Jesus defined it: “Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
•Its duration is endless (Romans 6:23).
•Its essence is relationship—knowing God through Christ.
•Its beginning is immediate upon faith and its fullness stretches into forever, free from death, sin, and sorrow (Revelation 21:4).
summaryJohn 3:15 assures us that God’s purpose in lifting up His Son was so that absolutely anyone—no matter who—who places trusting faith in Jesus now possesses the unending, God-filled life He offers. The verse is a concise promise: inclusive in invitation, exclusive in means, certain in outcome, and immeasurable in blessing.
(15)
Not perish, but . . .--These words have been added here from the following verse. Omitting them, the sentence should be rendered,
that every one who believeth may have in Him eternal life. This construction is borne out by a comparison of
John 5:39;
John 16:33;
John 20:31. "To believe in Him" is not used by St. John. (See Note on
John 1:12.) The thought of this verse is that as every Israelite, believing in God, had in the brazen serpent a message from God; so every man who believes in God ever has this message from God in the crucified Son of Man. The object of faith is not here expressed. The words speak only of the man who believeth, whose heart is open to spiritual truth. That man has, in Jesus Christ and Him crucified, a truth which goes to his inmost spirit, sending a new life through his whole being. To the non-believer this may be but the self-sacrifice of heroism. To the believer it is Light breaking upon the darkness of his soul; it is Life bursting the cold sepulchre of a deadened spirit; it is Love winning its way through the scales of a hardened heart; it is Mercy deeper and wider even than his sin; it is Hope bracing the man to a new life of holiness; it is the Word of
God, and in Him he has eternal life. The reader will not forget that the lifting up the serpent of brass followed the confession of the people. "We have sinned . . . pray unto the Lord that He take away the serpents from us" (
Numbers 21:7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.everyoneπᾶς(pas)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.believesπιστεύων(pisteuōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.Himαὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.may haveἔχῃ(echē)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.eternalαἰώνιον(aiōnion)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 166:From aion; perpetual.life.ζωὴν(zōēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222:Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.
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NT Gospels: John 3:15 That whoever believes in him should not (Jhn Jo Jn) 
