The heart of the Father

As is the case with many of the "favorite" scriptures in the Bible, it is important to read and consider all verses, before and after the verse being considered ... taking care to read in context. Many have read or heard this verse:

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him might not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

The verse immediately after that one, featured here in a photo card, also reflects the heart of the Father in sending His Son to a dying world. God's will is that all might be declared righteous because they have admitted they are sinners beyond hope without the redemptive blood spilled by Jesus on the cross.

It is vital to note the words "might be saved" in John 3:17. Contrary the universalist claim that all people will spend eternity with God in Heaven, that precious gift from a loving Father can only be received by acknowledging Jesus as our Messiah: "the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)."

Ultimately then, whether at the time of our physical death or at Jesus' return, it is each person's decision regarding Jesus the Messiah that will determine whether his or her eternal life with be spent in God's presence (Heaven), or apart from Him (Hell).