“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (3:18)
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (3:36)
Here, Jesus and John the Baptist share the same message.
While meeting with Nicodemus, Jesus explained that those who believe in Jesus will not be condemned, and those who do not believe are already condemned. (18)
While meeting with some of his disciples, John the Baptist explained that whoever believes in the Son (Jesus) has eternal life, and those who do not obey Jesus will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on them. (36)
The first thing I see is the consistency in messaging between Jesus and John. For example,
- Forgiveness
Those who believe in Jesus will not be condemned (Jesus). Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life (JtB).
- Wrath
Whoever does not believe is condemned already (Jesus). Those who do not obey Jesus…God’s wrath remains on them (JtB).
The second thing I see is that in unbelief, man already lives in a state of condemnation.
The third thing I see is that those who believe in Christ already have eternal life. It’s not something we get only after we die. I think this is related to the indwelling and work of the Holy Spirit in us.
The fourth thing I see is that the same God who offers eternal life to those who believe also serves eternal condemnation to those who don’t believe. Some think these two options couldn’t exist in the same being, and thus dismiss the God who presents himself through his word.
In contrast, I see more clearly the fullness of God’s nature. The fullness that is on display in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish (wrath) but have eternal life (forgiveness).”
Father, please help me to receive you as you have revealed yourself. Thank you for the hope offered in John 3:16. Please help me to live eternal life now. Amen.
Speak Your Mind