The context of John 3:16 - Baptism

A. The Pharisees rejected water baptism.

Luke 7:30 (KJV)
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

B. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus.

John 3:1 (KJV)
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

C. Jesus preached His first message on salvation. He told Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit.

John 3:5 (KJV)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

D. Jesus recognized that Nicodemus still didn't believe in the need for baptism.

John 3:12 (KJV)
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

E. Due to Nicodemus doubting His instructions, Jesus told him that everyone must believe in Him to be saved.

John 3:16 (KJV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

F. Jesus clarified that those that come to the light will do His righteous commands.

John 3:21King James Version (KJV)
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

G. The very first thing recorded at the conclusion of this conversation is Jesus baptizing.

John 3:22 (KJV)
After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

H. The last message that Jesus preached on salvation, just like the first message, included emphasizing the importance of believing including believing his command to be baptized.

Mark 16:16 (KJV)
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

If you believe in Christ, the Word, you must believe and obey His words. If you have never been baptized in the saving name of The Lord Jesus Christ, we would love to arrange for you to be baptized.