Everett,
You are confused if you are talking about John 3:16. Can you not understand English? You are assuming a lot of if's. In the first part of the verse the Key word is Give. Now if someone gives you something, it belongs to you, right? So if God gave you/me, His Son to redeam us of our sins, it is all done. There is nothing else to do! However, in the second part of the verse the key word is Believe. It now requires an action to receive the gift that has already been given. So, after the gift has been given and an action is required to receive the gift, that is a gift with strings attached, of which is no givt at all.

I have no problem with people looking at religion thru Rose Colored Glasses. Christan/Church life is a wonderful thing. However as I'm sure you already know lots of people question things in some Chruch Doctrine and leave because of differences.

Some facts about Jesus dying on the Cross. First, there was a price on his head. Second he didn't exactly volenteer to be nailed to the cross. He was areested if you are to believe scripture. And as noted if you believe scripture, the Wise Men were looking for a savior born King of the Jews. Matthew 2:2.

Jesus himself appointed himself to his supposed high position.
No one shall come before God but by me. Now Everett, that is a bunch o hooey. But it is spouted in Houses of Ignorance, Myth, and Superstition all over the land. And religious people are still arguing over what is what in religion.

There is at least 2 places in the Bible that says we are all a part of God. So, why would I need to save myself, from myself???

Ray E. Strode