Perhaps the best-known verse in all of cannon, almost every weekend Christian can quote this single verse on demand. Naturally, the biggest irony regarding John 3:16 is it was never in the original manuscripts but argued to be a later addition as the Ferrar Fenton Bible correctly identifies with the heading “A Comment by the Evangelist.”

Was John 3:16 added by the apostle John or a second century Christian? Likely the world will never know. Still, an examination of this famous passage proves it doesn’t claim what Churchianity says it does;

“For God so loved the world that He gave the only-begotten Son, so that everyone believing in Him should not be lost, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 FFB).

The King James Version says "should not perish." Notice we’re told here those that believe in Christ SHOULD not be lost? This is because in many of the parables of Jesus those that only believed and had no works DO perish!

For example, consider Matthew 7:21-23 (FFB):

'Not every one who says to Me, Master! Master!' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but only those who do the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Master! Master! have we not preached in Your Name? and have we not cast out demons in Your Name? and in Your Name have we not done many wonders?' And then I shall declare to them, 'I never knew you ; depart from Me, you traders in lawlessness!'

It’s obvious we must have works to accompany our Faith in order to be acceptable to Christ. James says “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:14) and we’re reminded “the devils believe in One God and tremble” (James 2:19). Belief alone will not save us! Only the grace of Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

Therefore, let us all have works to accompany our faith (or belief). John 3:16 doesn’t guarantee believers a one-way ticket to the Kingdom! We prove our faith to Yahweh through obedience to His eternal commandments. Let’s all define our morality according to His Law and not our own hearts.

War for Christ!