The Gospel of John is the only book written specifically for unbelievers, instructing them on how to receive eternal life. That is the purpose of the book (John 20:30-31). Eternal life is given to the one who believes in Jesus for it. It is a life they can never lose.
This teaching is not common among Evangelicals. In various ways, teachers add works to the offer of eternal life. Often, they threaten their listeners with the loss of eternal salvation if they don’t meet some standard they have invented. That standard varies from teacher to teacher.
Recently, Kathryn Wright and the Ritchie family traveled to Uganda to spread the Biblical message of grace. In that country, practically all churches deny that eternal life is given by grace through faith alone and can never be lost. People in these churches live under constant fear that they will spend eternity in the lake of fire. Kathryn and the Richies were able to review what John says in numerous conferences, discussions, and VBS sessions with large groups of children. For most of those in attendance, it was the first time they had heard that John 3:16 really means that eternal life is given as a gift that can never be lost if they believe in Christ for it.
One thing Kathryn and the Ritchies did was put together a bookmark, so that the folks in Uganda could remember what was taught, and in many cases, what they believed. The Gospel of John contains seven “never” statements, indicating that those who have eternal life can “never” lose it.
The Gospel of John is structured around eight signs that the Lord performed, which demonstrate that He is the Christ who is able to give eternal life to all who believe in Him. The last and greatest sign was His own resurrection.
On one side of the bookmark, the seven “never” statements are listed, along with their corresponding locations in John. On the other side of the bookmark are the eight miracles in John, along with their references.
Each person who attended the conferences, discussions, and VBS received a bookmark. This included deacons, pastors, wives, and children. Hopefully, for those who believed, it will be a reminder of what they believed and will continue to encourage them as they live with the assurance that they have eternal life. Perhaps some will use it as a tool to inform others about the Gospel of John. Many in the United States need to hear the same message.
This is an excellent tool. GES is offering it free to anybody who would like to use it. It is found in the attached PDF. If you are involved in teaching the Bible to any group, this might be something you would want to give to those you teach. Or, you might just want to use it in your own Bible.
