I’m not saying at all that punctuation, etc., stands in the way of Christ. I’m saying that it sounds as if you have decided that it is important.
It’s not - For God so loved the world He sent a book.
John 3:16-21
16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
18
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19
And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.
20
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed.
21
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Oh wait, there’s that darn works thing again. John 3:21
“John 3:16
16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
Wait just a second here. I missed this.
. . . might not perish but might have eternal life.
You mean we might have eternal life? Where’s the guarantee?
Well, He did send His word to us...I don't think your intention is to say that He didn't since you just used many verses from that "book" in your post to me..and thank you. But the scriptures aren't just a book as you've indicated.
From the beginning to the end this "book" tells us that Jesus is coming....then it records that He did come...and it continues to the end telling us He will come again. It is all about Him.
So in reading and study of His "Holy Word", as many Popes have referenced,....we not only learn about Him but He impresses on our hearts and minds what He wants us to know as we grow in our knowledge of Him.
He moves us, as much if not more than He did those who wrote it, inwardly. We do not go thru the scriptures as much as they go thru us......"Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee"...... And His Spirit uses scripture at many pivotal points in our life....Jesus said..." He (his Spirit) will bring to your remembrance that which I have spoken unto you".
So no, it is not just a "book" as you stated. It is His love letter to each of us...and a compass along our walk here until we are home safely with Him.