For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16. This verse is undoubtedly one of the most misunderstood in the Bible.  Many use this verse to teach all one has to do to be saved from his sins is believe- consequently teaching salvation by faith alone.  But is this really what this verse teaches?

Imagine sitting in a theatre and someone yells “Everyone get out, the building is on fire!” If you remain seated and make no effort to leave the building, did you really believe what you heard?

And so it is with John 3:16. The words “believeth in him” imply that this belief results in action on the part of the believer. For the one who has never become a Christian, this action includes repenting of sin (Acts 17:30), confessing faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10), and then being baptized to receive forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38).

The one who fails to do so does not have a belief that can save.