“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16(ESV)

The relationship of a child with his or her mother is a unique relationship. From the moment the child is conceived to the point where they are completely self-sufficient, a mother cares and protects her child. The mother knows that when she becomes pregnant, she will have to make sacrifices for the child or else that child will die. She loves her child and makes sacrifices within her own life to ensure the child is nurtured, protected and healthy.

The relationship of God with His people is similar to this unique relationship. God knows His people. He knows them before they are born, according to Psalm 139. When someone is born again, as the rest of John 3 speaks to, we enter into a new and unique relationship. However, this relationship is only possible through the work of Jesus Christ. As a child’s life is reliant upon his or her mother, so our spiritual life is reliant upon Christ and His work on the cross. God sent Jesus to die on the cross out of love for His people. Because of that sacrifice, those who place their faith in Christ are no longer condemned to a life separated from God forever, but rather given the gift of eternal life with Christ. Those who have placed their faith in Christ are now born again and sustained by God through the Holy Spirit just as a mother sustains a child. We rely on God for spiritual life, food and safety. Because of His love, we are saved. Because of His sacrifice, we are saved.