What is John 3:16 and what is the REST of the story?

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 KJV

Many people use this verse as their doctrine for salvation. They say, ‘If you believe in Jesus, you will not perish but have everlasting life. Simply believe.’

What a lot of people do not realize, Jesus is speaking here to Nicodemus. Jesus had already told him, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).

Just a few verses before John 3:16 Jesus further told Nicodemus "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 KJV

We are born of water when we are baptized with water in Jesus name. We are born of the Spirit when we are baptized with the Spirit.

Jesus said we need to believe AND be baptized to be saved.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." - Mark 16:16 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost when the church began, Peter preached how to be born of water and of the Spirit.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:41-42 KJV