Who Is The Believer of John 3:16? (06.28.2026 AM)

Who is the believer of John 3:16? Lanny Smith of the Walton Chapel of the Walton Chapel church of Christ in Lafayette answers that question. Lanny introduces our study from Luke 13:3 (repent or perish) and Acts 22:16 (baptism and the washing away of sins) before looking at our question. The Bible reveals two kinds of believers: SAVED BELIEVERS (John 3:16, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:21) and LOST BELIEVERS (John 12:42-43, James 2:14, 19, 24). The difference between the two kinds is OBEDIENCE (James 2:20-23, 1 Peter 2:7-8, Hebrews 11:8). An example of disobedience is described in Hebrews 3:18-19 and an example of professing faith without obedience is described in Matthew 7:21-23. From John 3:16 itself, that believer is saved by obedience and continuing belief. The passage in John 3:16 falls in context between born of water and the spirit (V5) and coming to the light with actions, words, and deeds (V21). Disobedience is unbelief and it will be punished (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Instead of disbelief, we should walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), live by faith (Galatians 2:20), and work by faith (Galatians 5:6). Please share on social media.