Jesus Didn’t Come to Condemn the World
The
“Red-Letter Words” of Jesus
Day
34
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18 (NKJV)
Robert Wilson was found guilty of murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery in a Georgia courtroom. He received three life sentences, plus seven years, for each crime he committed. Only by the grace of God did he not receive the death penalty.
The jury didn’t condemn Robert nor did the judge who tried the case. His own actions condemned him. It was the judge’s duty to make sure he had a fair trial, and that the resulting guilty verdict was carried out.
Let’s revisit the bronze serpent mentioned in John 3:14, 15. The Israelites were judged by God because of their constant complaining and lack of faith. As a result of their guilt, God sent poisonous snakes to bite the people. Many people died. Once they cried out to God and repented, He gave them an antidote. He had Moses set a bronze snake on a pole. When folks looked up at the snake, they were healed.
God nor Moses condemned the Israelites for their complaining. Like Robert, they condemned themselves by their own actions.
Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We’re all guilty of sin. Maybe we didn’t murder someone, but we’re still marked by our sinful nature.
Romans 6:23(a) says, “For the wages of sin is death.” We receive a sentence because of our sin. Robert’s consequence was three life sentences. Poisonous snake bites were the sentence for the Israelites. Eternal death is our sentence.
Thank God for the rest of Romans 6:23, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. It was already condemned. Jesus came to rescue humankind from the consequences of their sin by being lifted high on a cross.
Through believing in Him, we are pardoned from spiritual death and receive eternal life. Those who choose not to believe in His name are condemned by their own sin. Sadly, since they refuse to look up to the One lifted high, the guilt can’t be removed from their lives.
Father, Jesus didn’t come to condemn mankind. Like Robert, it’s our sinful actions that condemn us. Thank You that Jesus is our Salvation. When we believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God, we are forgiven and eternal life is ours. More importantly, our relationship with Him is restored. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Robert Wilson was twice pardoned…once by his Savior Jesus Christ while incarcerated and a second time miraculously by the state of Georgia. You can find his incredible story of redemption in his book Beyond Hope. Here is a link to his book. Click on the link for direct access: Beyond Hope - Kindle edition by Wilson, Robert. Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
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