This verse written by the beloved disciple John is probably the cornerstone of belief for most Christians. In 27 words, John states the penultimate hope of every believer. If we are just to have a good life here on earth while we eke out an existence for a few years and then, when we die, there is nothing else; Christians should be pitied more than any other people. The ultimate hope of every Christian is salvation – living forever in heaven with Jesus. The word for today is salvation and what that word means. The process is said very plainly by John – God loves, God gives, we believe, and we live.