What does John 3:36 mean?

John 3:16 is frequently used as a one-sentence summary of the entire gospel. The idea that God loved us deeply, and expressed that love by sending Christ for us, is the central theme of Christianity. However, verses such as this one and John 3:18 are also critical.

There are only two options in eternity (Revelation 20:11). Those who turn to Christ in faith will have "eternal life" and find forgiveness for sin. Those who do not will face judgment. No one is neutral, and no one is exempt. Salvation through Jesus Christ is not an upgrade, but a rescue from disaster.

This salvation is through Jesus, and Jesus alone (John 14:6); ignoring it means facing the wrath of God. This verse is the only time John, the apostle, uses the term "wrath" outside of the book of Revelation. The Greek term is orgē, and in this context, it refers to the righteous anger of a judge issuing punishment for a crime. This concept is seen often in Revelation (Revelation 6:16–17; 19:15), and in Paul's explanation of God in the book of Romans (Romans 3:5; 4:15; 5:9; 12:19).

All translations of this verse imply that rejection of Christ is a deliberate action. The original Greek word, apeithōn, means "rejecting belief," "refusing obedience," or "refusing to be convinced." Belief—faith—is contrasted with disobedience. This is the same idea explained elsewhere in the Bible (John 3:18–19; Romans 1:20; 3:11). God wants people to be saved (2 Peter 3:9), not destroyed (Ezekiel 18:23). So, He makes Himself visible enough to encourage people to seek Him (Psalm 19:1). Yet He remains hidden enough that those who want to make excuses can do so (2 Peter 3:3–5; Romans 1:28).

An eternity of separation from God is a horrifying thought. And yet, ultimately, those who die estranged from God are those who want to be separated from Him (Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 17:27).