John 3: 16-17
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:17 follows one of the most memorized verses in the Bible, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” What more could be said of such a clear statement of the Love of the Father for the world and His intention in sending His Son Jesus than John 3:16? Apparently, there is more. There is verse 17!
Verse 17 states the Gospel from the negative perspective! Here God says clearly and simply why He did NOT send Jesus. Jesus did not come to condemn the world. Why is this so important?
The person with a guilt stricken conscience needs to know this. God’s love is totally unexpected for the one who sees his sin. The one whose conscience is dead has no fear of God or judgement. Such a person needs to hear the Law of God clearly so that he or she will repent and not be lost forever. But, the one who has heard the Law and understood his or her condition, needs to understand the Grace, Love, and mercy of God. He could never dream such good news. Instead, he would despair!
Therefore, John 3:17 tells us what we would never have expected. God didn’t send Jesus into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world. Jesus death on the cross was intended to remove the death we deserved and Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is our sure and certain hope of eternal life. God’s Word is complete. It tells us that God sent His Son out of a divine love for the world. And it tells us that Jesus first came not to condemn but to save.
At Jesus second coming, He will come to judge the earth. On that day He will separate the good from the bad, those who believe in Him from those who will not. Through faith in Jesus, we need have no fear of that day. In love for all others, we now share the good news of John 3:16 and 3:17 with all who will hear.
Let us pray,
Lord I thank you for coming into the world to save me. Help me to daily remember you great gift, confess my sins, and trust in your redeeming work. For all those who are in despair about their life or situation, grant them faith in you to find hope through your salvation for them. In your name I pray, AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.