John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible, and it is easy to see why. It tells us of God, the greatest lover. So, the greatest measure. Loved, the greatest motivation. The world, the greatest company. That He gave, the greatest act. His only begotten Son, the greatest gift. That whosoever, the greatest offer. Believeth in Him, the greatest truth. Should not perish, the greatest mercy. But have eternal life, the greatest hope.
It is important to note that this gift is not without condition. Those who do not believe will not receive it. It is in this same chapter that Jesus speaks about the opposite of belief: disobedience.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (v. 36 ESV).
If you believe what Jesus says, then you will obey it, and the gift and the hope will be yours. But if you do not obey, then clearly you do not truly believe.
Do you believe in Him? Are you willing to obey whatever He says? Eternity depends on it.