John 3:17
Verse
Context
Jesus and Nicodemus
16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For God sent not, etc. - It was the opinion of the Jews that the Gentiles, whom they often term the world, עלמה olmah, and אומות העולם omoth haolam, nations of the world, were to be destroyed in the days of the Messiah. Christ corrects this false opinion; and teaches here a contrary doctrine. God, by giving his Son, and publishing his design in giving him, shows that he purposes the salvation, not the destruction, of the world - the Gentile people: nevertheless, those who will not receive the salvation he had provided for them, whether Jews or Gentiles, must necessarily perish; for this plain reason, There is but one remedy, and they refuse to apply it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
not to condemn, &c.--A statement of vast importance. Though "condemnation" is to many the issue of Christ's mission (Joh 3:19), it is not the object of His mission, which is purely a saving one.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that believeth on him is not condemned,.... Whether Jew or Gentile, because a believer is openly in Christ; and there is no condemnation to those that are in him: and though the sentence of death passed upon all in Adam, and judgment came upon all men to condemnation in him; yet this sentence being executed on Christ, the surety of his people, who has been condemned to death, and has suffered it in their stead, his death is a security to them from all condemnation: and they are delivered by him from the curse and condemnation of the law: and having in conversion openly passed from death to life, they shall never enter into condemnation; and this is the happy case of every one that believes in Christ: but he that believeth not is condemned already. The Persic version renders it, "from the beginning"; he remains under the sentence of condemnation passed in Adam upon him; the law accuses him, and pronounces him guilty before God; he is under the curse of it, and it is a ministration of condemnation and death to him; nor has he any thing to secure him from its charge, curse, and condemnation: this must be understood of one that is a final unbeliever, or that lives, and dies, in a state of impenitence, and unbelief: because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God; whom God has sent to be the Saviour of lost sinners, and to deliver them from wrath to come; and there is no other name but his, whereby men can be saved; so that such that do not believe in him, must be damned.
John 3:17
Jesus and Nicodemus
16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Joy of Releasing God's Forgiveness
By Carter Conlon2.5K00:00God's ForgivenessForgivenessJoy in ChristEZK 36:26JON 1:15MAT 6:12MAT 18:32MAT 25:14MRK 11:22JHN 3:17COL 2:13Carter Conlon emphasizes the transformative power of releasing God's forgiveness, illustrating that true freedom and joy come from letting go of unforgiveness. He explains that unforgiveness can trap individuals, hindering their spiritual growth and connection with God. Through biblical examples, Conlon highlights that forgiveness is not only a command but a pathway to experiencing God's joy and grace. He encourages believers to seek God's strength to forgive others, reflecting on the mission of Christ to forgive humanity. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt release of past grievances to embrace the joy of God's forgiveness.
Characteristics of the Mind of Christ
By Dennis Kinlaw2.0K58:11Mind of ChristJHN 3:15JHN 3:17GAL 2:19GAL 2:21PHP 2:5PHP 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing that it goes against the teachings of Scripture. He highlights four characteristics of a person who has the mind of Christ, two of which are mentioned before a hymn and two after. These characteristics include avoiding selfish ambition and vain conceit, refraining from complaining and arguing, and embracing the cross and despising shame. The speaker reflects on how Jesus exemplified these characteristics and challenges listeners to strive for a selfless mindset. Additionally, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and observations about complaining and finding contentment in one's circumstances.
Oh Woman Great Is Your Faith
By Chuck Smith1.7K29:46PSA 34:17PRO 3:5JER 29:13MAT 7:7MAT 15:28JHN 3:17ROM 8:34PHP 4:19HEB 13:8JAS 5:16This sermon focuses on the story of a desperate mother who approached Jesus for help despite initial silence and apparent exclusion. It highlights the importance of persevering faith, especially in times of silence from the Lord, and the need to press on in prayer and belief. The sermon emphasizes the power of a mother's prayers and the impact of surrendering to Christ, encouraging listeners to seek God's blessings and trust in His grace.
Christ the Medium
By Bill McLeod1.7K16:26MediatorJHN 3:17ACT 15:11ROM 3:24ROM 5:1ROM 5:9ROM 6:23ROM 8:13COL 3:11TIT 3:5In this sermon, Bill McLeod emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are saved by a person, not just a plan. He highlights the power and victory that we have through Jesus Christ, who strengthens us and gives us the ability to overcome sin, death, and anything that may hinder our relationship with God. McLeod shares a powerful testimony of a man who struggled with alcohol addiction and found deliverance through fervent prayer to God. The sermon references various Bible verses that emphasize the role of Jesus Christ in our salvation and the importance of faith in His blood.
I Know What Your Calling Is!
By Carter Conlon1.5K46:36EZK 22:30LUK 10:30JHN 3:17HEB 4:16JAS 2:13This sermon emphasizes the critical calling on the church in a season of history, urging believers to stand in the gap for mercy and restoration. It highlights the need for intercession, faith, and a deep understanding of God's mercy over judgment, calling for a collective prayer movement to see a miraculous outpouring of God's mercy in New York City and beyond.
The Poor in Spirit Possess God's Kingdom
By Zac Poonen1.4K57:40JOB 42:6PRO 8:34MAT 5:3LUK 17:10LUK 18:1JHN 3:171CO 10:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit, highlighting how true holiness comes with brokenness and humility. It contrasts legalism with genuine compassion and the need to focus on personal transformation rather than condemning others. The speaker draws insights from the story of Job, showcasing the significance of repentance, humility, and a deep encounter with God in spiritual growth.
I Know What Your Calling Is
By Carter Conlon1.4K46:36CallingGEN 15:5EXO 32:7MAT 27:24LUK 23:34JHN 3:17HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the condition of a nation just before the judgment of God comes upon it. He highlights the presence of a conspiracy among the prophets, who have devoured souls and taken precious things. The priests have also violated God's law and profaned holy things. The speaker then references a parable in Luke chapter 10, where Jesus teaches about three types of people who encounter a man left for dead. The religious individuals pass by without helping, but the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and extending a season of mercy, as God desires to save the world through his son.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Part 2
By Billy Strachan1.4K47:51Baptism Of Holy SpiritMAT 3:7LUK 23:46JHN 1:29JHN 3:17ACT 2:36ACT 2:38In this sermon, John the Baptist emphasizes that his baptism and forgiveness of sins is not enough for the people. He tells them to wait for someone greater who will give them new life through the Holy Spirit. The people ask what they can do in the meantime, and John tells them to be generous and share with those in need. He also warns the tax collectors to not rely on their lineage but to produce fruits of repentance. Overall, John's preaching focuses on preparing the people for the coming of salvation and the importance of a transformed life.
Model for Praying - Part 2
By J. Glyn Owen88851:41PrayingGEN 32:28EXO 20:7MAT 4:13JHN 3:172CO 5:172CO 5:20PHP 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the good news lies in the fact that Jesus is not just a teacher, but also empowers his disciples to practice what he teaches. The speaker highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, explaining that Jesus' purpose was to save sinners while bringing honor and glory to God the Father. The sermon also touches on the importance of obeying God's commandments and not worshiping idols. Overall, the message emphasizes the need for salvation to bring glory to God and the importance of living in obedience to His teachings.
The Soviet Psalm
By James A. Stewart83058:17PsalmsMAL 3:10JHN 3:17In this sermon, the speaker shares tragic reports of persecution faced by believers in the underground church. People are being sentenced to years in Siberia for simply reading the Bible or distributing gospel tracks. Elderly couples are losing their life pensions for hosting home meetings. The speaker emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and being faithful to Christ, even in the face of persecution. They also share their own testimony of how God raised them up from a near-death experience and led them to start a ministry to support missionaries and pastors around the world.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Worshipping God When Suffering
By Zac Poonen7231:13:20JOB 42:7ISA 53:3MAT 5:7MAT 7:1JHN 3:17HEB 10:7JAS 2:13JAS 5:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of Jesus and Job in living a life of humility, mercy, and forgiveness. It highlights the need to focus on our own sins rather than judging others, to be merciful and understanding towards those who misunderstand or criticize us, and to trust in God's provision and guidance in all circumstances. The message encourages a life of simplicity, forgiveness, and reliance on God's grace.
Why We Need Revival (Part 2)
By Michael L. Brown60554:05JHN 3:17REV 2:4The video is a discussion about a book called "End of the American Gospel Enterprise" which emphasizes the need for repentance and revival. The speaker highlights a section from the book titled "Go Back to Bethel" which addresses the issue of losing one's connection with God. He talks about how people can become desensitized to worldly influences and urges them to examine their hearts for hardness. The speaker also encourages a return to a deep devotion to Jesus and suggests that through corporate prayer, a fresh move of the Holy Spirit can be birthed.
Don't Reject the Voice of God
By Shane Idleman57544:34PSA 103:13ISA 30:21JHN 3:17JHN 8:36ROM 5:8ROM 8:1ROM 8:142CO 10:4EPH 2:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of not rejecting the voice of God, highlighting the need to obey His commands and surrender to His will. It discusses the rejection of God's truth, the consequences of turning back to worldly ways, and the loving nature of God's sacrifice through Jesus Christ. The message challenges listeners to stop rejecting obedience, surrender, and the work of the Holy Spirit, urging them to embrace God's love and guidance.
Something Is Missing
By Shane Idleman51943:20JER 17:9EZK 36:26MAT 7:1JHN 3:17ACT 2:38ROM 5:8EPH 4:181JN 4:20REV 2:4This sermon delves into the importance of recognizing when something is missing in our lives, particularly in relation to the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes the impact of a lack of the Holy Spirit in churches and individuals, leading to lifeless sermons, stagnant faith, and a deficiency in love and compassion. The sermon highlights the need for spiritual power, love for God's Word, worship, prayer, and others, as well as the danger of a hard heart marked by unbelief, lack of compassion, sin mastery, and thriving pride. The message concludes with a call to transform a heart of stone into a heart of flesh, embracing God's unconditional love and rejecting pride and anger as tools of the enemy.
Studies in the Psalms 05 Handfuls From God
By Neil Fraser51546:00LEV 2:1NUM 12:31KI 17:10MAT 5:23MAT 14:20JHN 3:172CO 7:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their 45 years of full-time service for the Lord, emphasizing that they have never asked people for money. They highlight the idea that accumulating riches is detrimental and that God often uses the poor to meet their needs. The speaker then references the story of Elijah and the widow, where God miraculously provides for her through a handful of corn and a little oil. They connect this story to Psalm 72, which describes the glory and blessing that will come upon the earth during the millennial reign of the king's son. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will sustain and provide for His people until the day He sends rain upon the earth.
Four Things You Need to Know About God
By Shane Idleman48917:34PSA 34:18ISA 43:1JHN 3:17ACT 3:19ROM 5:8This sermon emphasizes the essence of real Christianity, rooted in unconditional love as demonstrated by God's love for us. The speaker shares personal struggles with addiction, brokenness, and the transformative power of God's unconditional love. The message highlights the importance of embracing God's love, recognizing our identity in Him, sharing the truth in love, and experiencing the refreshing presence of the Lord through repentance and conversion.
The Image of the Invisible God
By Major Ian Thomas852:12The Image of GodLiving in ChristJHN 3:17JHN 6:29JHN 12:44JHN 14:10JHN 15:5JHN 17:3ROM 8:42CO 3:18PHP 3:10COL 1:15Major Ian Thomas emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God, highlighting that His life was a derived life, fully dependent on the Father. He explains that true righteousness comes from allowing Christ to live through us, making us vessels of His divine action. Thomas stresses that being a Christian is not merely about conversion but about living in a way that reflects Christ's life and character in our daily actions. He encourages believers to recognize their need for the Holy Spirit to enable them to embody the righteousness of Christ, thus fulfilling their purpose as created in God's image.
The Cleansing of the Leper
By Peter Brandon656:07Transformation in ChristReconciliation with GodISA 53:5JHN 3:17ROM 5:102CO 5:17EPH 2:8REV 3:20Peter Brandon preaches on 'The Cleansing of the Leper,' emphasizing that true transformation comes from being in Christ, who makes us new creations through the Holy Spirit. He illustrates how people often cling to worldly things, much like a child with a beloved teddy bear, unaware of the greater joy found in Christ. Brandon explains that God reconciles us to Himself through Jesus, who bore our sins, and calls us to respond by opening our hearts to Him for communion. He warns against spiritual lukewarmness and encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, who desires to share in our lives. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and trust in Jesus for salvation and transformation.
Hearts Captive by the Savior's Love
By David Wilkerson0The Nature of SalvationThe Tenderness of ChristISA 42:1MAT 9:30MAT 12:14JHN 3:17David Wilkerson emphasizes the tender and loving nature of Jesus as depicted in Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting that Christ came not with loud proclamations but with a quiet spirit of compassion. He illustrates how Jesus, despite facing opposition from the Pharisees, chose to withdraw rather than retaliate, continuing to heal and serve those in need. Wilkerson points out that Jesus desired genuine devotion from the people, not mere followers seeking miracles, and he underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Savior sent to save the world rather than to condemn it. The sermon calls listeners to reflect on the depth of the Savior's love and the gift of salvation available to all.
What Breaks the Heart of God
By David Wilkerson0God's LoveUnbeliefJHN 3:17JHN 11:35JHN 11:40HEB 4:15HEB 13:5David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus wept at Lazarus' tomb not only out of compassion for Mary and Martha but also due to the unbelief of those around him. He points out that God's heart is still broken today when Christians doubt His love, despite having a complete Bible and a history of God's faithfulness. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize the depth of God's mercy and the promises found in Scripture, urging them to open their hearts to experience His love fully. He reminds us that God, who sympathizes with our weaknesses, is always present and desires a relationship with us.
Pharisees Have No Concern for Lost Sinners
By Zac Poonen0Compassion for the LostTrue WitnessingMAT 9:36LUK 19:10JHN 3:17JHN 7:49ROM 10:14Zac Poonen emphasizes that modern-day Pharisees exhibit a lack of genuine concern for lost sinners, often expressing condemnation rather than compassion. He critiques the attitude of Christians who distribute tracts without a heartfelt desire for the salvation of others, suggesting that such actions stem from a selfish motive to ease their own conscience. Poonen reminds believers that true witnessing should focus on love and the desire to lead others to Christ, rather than merely fulfilling a duty. He highlights that a lack of concern for the lost reveals a Pharisaical spirit, contrasting this with Jesus' mission to save rather than condemn.
Do You Accuse or Do You Intercede?
By Zac Poonen0Overcoming AccusationIntercessionMAT 5:44JHN 3:17JHN 20:21ROM 1:81CO 1:42CO 7:8EPH 1:15COL 3:15HEB 7:25REV 12:10Zac Poonen emphasizes the contrast between the ministry of accusation, which is led by Satan, and the ministry of intercession, which is exemplified by Jesus Christ. He urges believers to reject the spirit of accusation that leads to condemnation and instead embrace a life of intercession and gratitude for others. Poonen highlights that true intercession begins with thankfulness and that it is impossible to accuse those we pray for. He encourages believers to follow the example of Paul, who consistently expressed gratitude for others despite their faults. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a radical shift from accusation to intercession to overcome the enemy's influence in our lives.
Luke 7:48
By Chuck Smith0Love and GratitudeForgivenessMAT 9:13LUK 7:47JHN 3:17ROM 5:8EPH 2:8Chuck Smith discusses the contrasting attitudes of Simon the Pharisee and a sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet. While Simon, a self-righteous host, fails to show Jesus basic hospitality, the woman, aware of her sins, expresses profound love and gratitude through her actions. Jesus highlights that those who are forgiven much, love much, and He assures the woman that her faith has saved her, granting her peace. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for forgiveness and the depth of love that can arise from it. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reflect on their own relationship with Jesus and the love they express in response to His grace.
Luke 9:59
By Chuck Smith0SalvationMission of JesusMAT 5:14LUK 19:10JHN 3:17Chuck Smith emphasizes that the birth of Jesus is not just a historical event but the beginning of a divine mission to save humanity. He explains that Jesus was sent by God not to condemn but to rescue a world in chaos, highlighting the destructive nature of mankind. Smith challenges listeners to reflect on their own contributions to the world, questioning whether they are builders or destroyers. He reassures that while the world may seem lost, Jesus is actively saving individuals and preparing them for a future where they can contribute positively to society. Ultimately, he points to the hope that Jesus will reign and restore all things.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For God sent not, etc. - It was the opinion of the Jews that the Gentiles, whom they often term the world, עלמה olmah, and אומות העולם omoth haolam, nations of the world, were to be destroyed in the days of the Messiah. Christ corrects this false opinion; and teaches here a contrary doctrine. God, by giving his Son, and publishing his design in giving him, shows that he purposes the salvation, not the destruction, of the world - the Gentile people: nevertheless, those who will not receive the salvation he had provided for them, whether Jews or Gentiles, must necessarily perish; for this plain reason, There is but one remedy, and they refuse to apply it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
not to condemn, &c.--A statement of vast importance. Though "condemnation" is to many the issue of Christ's mission (Joh 3:19), it is not the object of His mission, which is purely a saving one.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that believeth on him is not condemned,.... Whether Jew or Gentile, because a believer is openly in Christ; and there is no condemnation to those that are in him: and though the sentence of death passed upon all in Adam, and judgment came upon all men to condemnation in him; yet this sentence being executed on Christ, the surety of his people, who has been condemned to death, and has suffered it in their stead, his death is a security to them from all condemnation: and they are delivered by him from the curse and condemnation of the law: and having in conversion openly passed from death to life, they shall never enter into condemnation; and this is the happy case of every one that believes in Christ: but he that believeth not is condemned already. The Persic version renders it, "from the beginning"; he remains under the sentence of condemnation passed in Adam upon him; the law accuses him, and pronounces him guilty before God; he is under the curse of it, and it is a ministration of condemnation and death to him; nor has he any thing to secure him from its charge, curse, and condemnation: this must be understood of one that is a final unbeliever, or that lives, and dies, in a state of impenitence, and unbelief: because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God; whom God has sent to be the Saviour of lost sinners, and to deliver them from wrath to come; and there is no other name but his, whereby men can be saved; so that such that do not believe in him, must be damned.