Ref: New Interpretation of John 3:16

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In a message dated 97-07-07 09:06:54 EDT, you write:

<< While reading Brother Tyler's list of humorous lines, my attention was
 directed to the manner in which he quoted Jesus' words which are found
 recorded in John 3:16.  I feel compelled to point out that he has
 committed an error in quoting the Word of God, albeit he certainly is
 not alone, and I am confident that it was an error which was unwittingly
 committed by him, but nevertheless must be addressed.
 
 A careful reading of this important passage will disclose that Jesus did
 not assert that "...whosoever believeth *on* him shall not perish."  His
 exact words were "...whosoever believeth *in* him should not perish.">>

Me: Perhaps Bro. Tyler was quoting from the ASV (please don't start again on
translations):

John 3:16
16	For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth *on* him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(ASV)

You:
 
 <<Now I am well aware that there might be some who would be quick to say
 that this is really "no big deal," or that one should not become overly
 concerned when another happens to commit a small error such as this when
 quoting from the sacred "Oracles of God," however, I feel compelled to
 contend that we all must exercise extreme caution in such matters.  Not
 only is there is a *tremendous difference* between the *implications*
 involved in the words *"in him"* and *"on him,"* but there exists perhaps an
 even greater difference between the phrase "should perish" and "shall
 perish.">>

Me:
Actually, in the original Greek, there is *no* difference. Both English words
"on" and "in", when used in this context, are used to translate the *same*
Greek word, "eis". This just demonstrates the necessity of studying in the
original language to avoid misunderstandings caused by the English
translations.

You:
 
<< I believe that there exists vast numbers of those within the worldwide
 "professing" Christian community today who do truly believe "on" the
 Lord Jesus Christ, but of only a very small number could it be said that
 they actually believe "in" Him.>>  


Me:

According to Jesus Christ, we are to believe *in* Him (John 3:16) and *on*
Him (John 3:18).

A definition of the original Greek shows that this word is translated both
"in" and "on" in the KJV.

1519  eis (ice);

a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered),
of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial
phrases: 

KJV-- [abundantly-], against, among, as, at, [back-] ward, before, by,
concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for [intent, purposefore],, +
forth, **in** (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of
one mind, + never, of, (up-) **on**, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that,
therefore (-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-) until
(-to), ... ward, [wherefore-], with. Often used in composition with the same
general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or
figuratively).

The following verses from John (KJV) show that there is *no* difference in
the implication of believing *in* or *on* the Lord Jesus Christ. In *every*
case, they use the *identical* Greek word, which is translated *in* in John
3:16. In fact, in *John 3:18* , the same Greek word is translated both *in*
and *on*. 

John 3:18
18	He that believeth *on* him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he hath not believed *in* the name of the only
begotten Son of God.
(KJV)

Note , especially the context of John 6:40 , in which Jesus says that they
who "believe *on* him, may have everlasting life:", and *will* be raised up.

John 6:40
40	And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the
Son, and believeth *on* him, may *have everlasting life*: and I *will* raise
him up at the last day.
(KJV)



John 6:29
29	Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye
believe *on* him whom he hath sent.
(KJV)

John 6:35
35	And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me
shall never hunger; and he that believeth *on* me shall never thirst.
(KJV)



John 7:38
38	He that believeth *on* me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly
shall flow rivers of living water.
(KJV)

John 7:39
39	(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe *on* him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet
glorified.)
(KJV)

In this case, our emphasis should not be on the preposition (especially since
it is the *same* Greek word), but on the verb, "believe".

You:
<<I pray that my words have offended no one, for that has not been their
intent.  My only purpose in composing these remarks has been that of
reaching out to my beloved brethren, with the prayerful hope that I
might be enabled to say something which will strengthen and edify them.>>

Me:

And I also hope that you find no offense in my reply, since my intent is the
same as yours.

Pastor Joe