John 3:15-16 ”And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
This well-worn passage has a deep meaning that has, as is often said, been lost in translation. First, look at verse 15, “that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” The word, “in,” here is from a Greek word that means simply “in.” The Greek means literally inside or within; figuratively, it implies “in the realm or sphere of.” This Greek word is accurately translated into English in this verse. In the next verse, the most famous of the three here, we have this phrase, “so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” It is both important and interesting that John uses a different Greek word that is most often translated into English “in” here in vs 16. That these two different Greek words are immediately adjacent to each other is important.
In 16, the word in question is normally translated as “into,” indicating the point reached or entered, of place, time, purpose, result. The Greek literally means “motion into which,” implying penetration or union to a particular purpose or result. The most proper translation then would be, “so that everyone who believes into him may not perish but may have eternal life.” The implication of this choice of words by John is enormous. A saving belief is then one that takes a person into Christ. Some might dismiss this translation as not important, but given that John used a different word for the same idea in the previous sentence would indicate intentional use.
A few translation use “into” in 16 for this very reason. And if they are right the translation becomes a powerful New Covenant statement. If we are to not perish but have everlasting life, we must believe into Jesus, not simply in him. The difference is striking. To believe in Jesus is to have an opinion about Him, to assent to the facts of the matter. To believe into Jesus is to believe deeply enough to be joined into Him. Remember that the Greek here is implying penetration or union to a particular purpose or result. Penetration. Union. For a purpose and result. I believe that the case for intentionality on the part of Jesus and John is setting the stage for what Jesus will speak in John 14-17 regarding our union with our God, the indwelling of the Father and Son in the true disciple, and our abiding life in Christ. After all, a branch cannot draw life from the vine if it is not joined into it.
John 3:16 is not about simply believing. It is about being one with Christ, joined into Him and drawing life from Him. That is a most important distinction.
Without Limit 
Tim, thank you for this in depth and incredible delve into how the word choices and intentions of the living word can be applied to increase our communion with Christ! I met with a group of fellow followers the other night. Because of the wisdom writings gifted by you, coupled with my growing communion, our discussion centered around “indwelling”. INTO~yes! I’ll remember this. Each day I want to grow this way~and into what Christ intends through the indwelling of his spirit. God bless you, dear friend (and your precious dog too!). Many blessings!!
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Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Karla. In the translation of these two words lies the difference between being religious and being joined into Christ. Our failure over centuries to help people into union with their God has left a church that is disconnected from the very Christ they purport to worship.
“These people worship Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me,” stated Jesus. To worship Him without being in union with Him is false worship, for it denies His very life and purpose for us.
Yet our God continues to pursue us all, desiring that we all come to know and love Him intimately and to live in union with Him. Hallelujah!
And may our God bless you as well, dear friend (whom I have never met!). And the steady dog, Finley. A three-legged stool is more steady than a four-legged one. I assume this is true of dogs as well.
I just returned yesterday from an eight-day road trip to Kalispell MT and Sandpoint, ID. Great friends, good times, and full-on winter storm to grace my travels home. Too much fun!
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It’s my blessing, weary traveling friend Tim! What an adventure you’ve had! I’m so happy your 6 legs are home safe! Fun, friends, and a winter storm–yikes to that! Montana and Idaho–both of my sons served in those states at the same time! Jarrod served in Mountain Home, ID while Jay was in Great Falls, MT. My year of almost 10,000 miles in two different months of 2018 included Ms. Finley and me journeying to those places. I’ll never forget it, Tim.
Talk about God pursuing us. During that time I felt completely lost. I had no idea I had cancer. So many things had “failed” BUT GOD! He pursues us! Over and over he never gives up on us! I refuse to just “sit and get” in a pew. My heart is chasing the Lord and my hands, feet, and mouth need to represent him as my soul is completely filled with the Spirit. I continue to empty myself of the things that are taking up soul space that don’t edify HIM, my friend.
I pray to stay fully awake and aware of his continual Presence. The I AM that is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
“God, forgive me when I fail to let you take up every bit of me.”
My Dad had his pacemaker replaced and my mom was worried to bits (she’s a worrier!). I told her my clothes finally fit but my faith will remain TOO BIG (tee hee). I can’t SPEAK of faith and not live it, know it, breathe it…and it all comes from letting go so I can experience the full indwelling of the Spirit.
I had an unexpected doctor’s visit yesterday morning–Jesus said, “Release it to me, Karla”. It’s constant, Tim. Minute by minute. There’s nothing like his love and leadership is there?
If we don’t meet on this side of heaven, I know where we will meet one day, my friend! Many blessings and prayers, always!
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I love that depth of understanding. Resonates deep..
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Thank you, Gary. I appreciate your encouragement. It is always amazing how much weight there is in the choice of words by the original writers. It kinda looks like inspiration or something!
God bless you and yours today!
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Wow! That is a mighty shift in wording! I am going to be meditating on that and praying to better grasp the significance of that Union. Thank you for sharing!
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Wow! That is a mighty shift in wording! I am going to be meditating on that and praying to better grasp the significance of that Union. Thank you for sharing!
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