10 Most Popular New Testament Verses
Share
The New Testament is the portion of the Bible where we find Jesus stepping into the narrative in the flesh. For four hundred years there was no prophetic word from God, and then comes the Gospel of Matthew, beginning with the beautiful genealogy that introduces Jesus, God’s only Son. All four Gospels speak of Jesus, but John’s gospel gives us one of the most famous verses in all of Scripture: John 3:16.
As we talk about the most popular New Testament verses, we are going to begin with the most popular verse in the entire Bible. We will discuss why each of these verses are so well known, searched, and held dear by so many.
1. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
This is a well-known verse that is printed on bumper stickers, wall plaques, tattoos, and many other common items. The message of the verse gives us insight into why it’s so popular. It holds the promise of eternal life.
God’s love for the entire world through the gift of His only Son, Jesus is one of the most life-changing loves we will ever experience. It’s truly a death-to-life kind of love. For those who follow Christ, this verse is everything.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Grace Cary
2. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Everyone loves a happy ending, and this verse delivers just that. It is a promise Christ followers can claim and cling to even when life isn’t going exactly how they expect or anticipate. The truth about God’s sovereignty is a foundational belief that keeps Christians trusting God has it all figured out, even when they don’t.
3. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).
This verse gives a distinction to Christianity. That differentiating factor is Jesus Christ. When Jesus proclaimed He is the one and only way, truth, and life, He was laying the groundwork for the disciples to spread the truth of the gospel of Jesus.
His proclamation as the one and only way gives a clear explanation that there is no alternate way to eternal life with God in heaven. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is the only way.
4. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
When we think about religion, relationship with Christ, or the practice of spirituality, the one thing most people are looking for is a transformed life. This verse offers that instruction and a reminder that this is what God wants for His children too.
A big question in many people’s minds is, what is God’s will for me? This verse delivers the promise that believers can know God’s will through the difficult circumstances of life coupled with the renewal of the mind.
Photo credit: SWN
5. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Spiritual warfare is prevalent, yet often excused away as bad karma or the universe being against a person. The unseen battles being fought all around us are real.
Perhaps you’ve felt the very real battle going on, or you’ve seen it in the lives of people you love. Regardless, this verse offers a soothing reminder that this life and world is bigger than you and me.
6. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
The popularity of this one comes perhaps in the pursuit of a culture focused on temporary things. This verse shifts the focus onto the eternal. It is a bold reminder to remember and fix your heart and mind on God’s kingdom rather than your own. In a world where getting ahead and climbing the ladder of success is a prominent pressure, this verse encourages the believer to rest in God’s economy over what we can see on earth.
7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:6-8).
This is currently one of my favorite places in Scripture. While each of these three verses can stand alone, I put them together here since they are one after another.
The message is big. The first statement about not being anxious is a struggle for so many. But we find the antidote to anxiety in the following verses. Prayer and thanksgiving are the keys to peace, and aren’t we all seeking more peace? The stressors of life are vast, but the peace of God is more than capable to carry you through the anxieties of this life. In verse eight, Paul gives a list of all of the things to think about to combat our anxious thoughts.
Photo credit: SWN
8. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
This one is popular but is often used incorrectly to say we can do anything. While God absolutely can help us do anything, in this context there was a specific purpose. It was not so much about doing anything and everything with God’s help. It was about sharing the truth of the gospel, being content in all circumstance, and staying faithful to obey God.
Speaking up and sharing the truth of Scripture is not always easy, nor is being content in every circumstance. Paul reminds the church at Philippi here that God will give them strength to do what they need to do when they need to do it.
9. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
I have often heard it said that God will not give you more than you can handle. While it sounds good, we do not find this in the Bible. Instead, we find a truth bomb dropped here that this world is full of difficult circumstances.
The problems absolutely might be bigger than you can handle, but if you and I rely on God, He can give us what we need to make it through anything. The promise found here that God has overcome helps us to remember we too can overcome with God’s help.
10. “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
One of the most difficult things in life is when we don’t feel like anyone understands, or worse, like anyone cares about what we are going through. That is why this verse gives such hope and encouragement.
God cares.
Not only that, He cares for you and wants to carry your burdens for you. So we’ll post this on our walls, tattoo it on our skin, or write it in a journal to remind ourselves that everything is going to be okay. God cares, even when no one else notices or knows what we are going through.
These verses all have one thing in common. They all offer the sweet encouragement and hope that God can meet us in every situation and offer help and hope. And that is why they are so well known, shared, and used over and over and over. Grab hold of the one that resonates the most with you in this season and place it somewhere you can see it to remind yourself of the hope found in a sweet relationship with Jesus. Even when life is not going as planned or expected, God’s Word never changes.
Now click here to read the Top 10 Old Testament Verses!
Photo credit: SWN
