"The words Read This First have taken an important role in the packaging of modern consumer products," says Bible editor Barry J. Beitzel, PhD.
Why? Because most of us think life is too short to read instruction manuals.
The Bible is a supernatural instruction manual; all of it "is given by the inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16), but the Gospel of John is the Read This First of the Bible.
The Gospel of John was written "to tell individuals how to find eternal life" (John 20:31), says Beitzel.
"This clearly identified purpose sets the Gospel of John apart from the other Gospels. It is not so much a life of Jesus as it is a powerful presentation of His deity.
"Every chapter presents evidence--both signs and statements--for His divine authority. According to John, believing that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, is the beginning of eternal life (John 3:14-17).
"What could be more important? John's statement about his Gospel is as good as a Read This First sticker for one's eternal life."
A wise man once said: "The Gospel of John is a persuasive argument for the deity of Jesus. It concentrates on presenting Jesus as the Word, that is, God (John 1:1) who became a man (John 1:14). Thus John meticulously records the statements and describes the miracles of Jesus that can only be attributed to God Himself." -- Barry J. Beitzel, PhD
"Jesus said, 'I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God...Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. So don't be surprised at My statement that you must be born again.'" -- John 3:3, 5-7
How To Go To Heaven http://heaven-gettingthere.blogspot.com/
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