I firmly believe that this is the most important verse in the Bible. It clearly states the one condition that we each must meet to insure our everlasting life. Accepting this gift leads to a changed life.

I've had discussions with friends who've expressed the opinion that they've lived good lives, and are good people, surely God will include them in His kingdom. Maybe it would be nice if that were true, but the Bible says otherwise:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
John 3:23 (KJV)

For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
John 6:23 (KJV)

When I die I know that I'm going to Heaven to spend eternity with the God of all creation simply because I've accepted the truth of John 3:16. You can too.

I could write a lot about why I believe and the biblical basis for that belief but I believe it has already been done better in a series of verses that are frequently called "The Romans Road". Please take a look here.