We need to realize how fortunate we are to have the inspired words of God readily available to us (2 Tim 3:16-17)!  Even though God’s word is inspired, we need to realize that the chapter and verse breaks have been inserted by uninspired men.  Personally, I’m glad that they have been inserted due to the fact that it makes it easier to both reference and find information within the Bible.  In regards to the chapter and verse breaks, we sometimes find some interesting consequences.  Such is the case with “the 16:16’s of

the accounts of the Gospel.

     “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it” (Luke 16:16).  We find the fulfillment of Old Testament passages being indicated here.  Isaiah 40:3 prophesied concerning John the Baptist, “...prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for God.”  Daniel 2:44 includes, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom...”  With the preaching of John, the transition out of the Law and into the Gospel of Christ and the kingdom of God began. 

     “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:16).  In this verse we find the basis of our faith - belief in Jesus as the Messiah (Christ), the Son of God.  Upon this faith, Jesus built His church (Matt 16:18) -

the prophesied kingdom of God.

     “A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father” (John 16:16).  Jesus was gathered with His apostles on the night of His betrayal when He spoke these words.  This refers to His death and burial to be followed by His resurrection and ascension.  Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day and later ascended into heaven to be at the right hand on the Father.  Here we have the foundation of the Gospel and the reason for our hope.

     “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).  In this verse, we find that we must obey the Gospel in order to receive salvation.  That obedience includes believing in Jesus as the Son of God and being baptized into Him for the remission (forgiveness) of our sins (Acts 2:38).  In addition to these requirements, one must also be willing to confess his/her faith (Matt 10:32) and must repent of their sins (Luke 13:3,5).