Great Truths From God
Great Truths from God (Written by Tim Klink of Prison Discipleship Ministry)
John 3:17
“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”
The great truth that is presented here has two parts to it. First, God’s purpose towards man is not to condemn him for his sin. It is never God’s intention that anyone ever go to hell.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Notice the words “any” and “all.” It breaks God’s heart to see someone reject the gift of eternal life through forgiveness of their sin, and be sentenced to that place of eternal separation from Him. There is no “revenge” found in God’s heart towards those who reject His provision of forgiveness for them. Jesus did not come out of a sense of “getting even” with man for his sin against God. He came out of the love that only God can have towards His children that have gone a wrong direction. He came to offer hope, not fear and doom.
Second, the forgiveness that Jesus brings is conditional.
John 3:17
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Notice the word “might.” Just because Jesus came to the earth and paid the price demanded of a holy God for man’s sin to be forgiven does not mean that everyone in the world will be forgiven and are on their way to heaven when they die. The word “might” means that the opportunity has been given to all of mankind, but there is a condition that needs to be met before it is applied individually. What is that condition?
Romans 10:9
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
The condition is to “believe.” Not just believing that there is a God. Not just believing that Jesus paid the price for man’s sin. But genuinely believing that Jesus paid the price for your sin, and trusting in that alone for payment in full for all of your sin. Turn from your sin, and turn to God to lead your life.