The Gospel of John – Written ‘So That You May Believe’ – A Primer on Christian Living

The purpose of the gospel of John is twofold: first, as to salvation, directing the ones seeking a relationship with God; and secondly, as to discipleship, instructing the true followers of Jesus in how to enjoy life in the truest sense. Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe^[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31.  Our study will look at seven signs in this book that direct our attention to Jesus and living life in a way that counts for eternity. 

There was a man sent from God whose name was John.⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:6-14

1. The introduction of Jesus.  John the Baptist had one purpose – to introduce the world to Jesus.  Born of woman, sent from God, Jesus came for the purpose of to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…born of God.
2. Full of Grace.  Salvation was, at its core, the free gift of God to those who believed and received.  Mere belief was not enough, since even the demons believed.  James 2.  It was believing in and receiving the gift of salvation, not of works.  That was and is grace.
3. Full of Truth.  The offer to become children of God was a good offer because it was true and represented truth from God through Jesus. 

Grace and Truth are necessary together.  It is a gift of salvation with substance, and from this, from the backdrop of Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus.  We are in for a great study in this book, and real sources and directions for our walk of faith.  Stay well.