“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3:18-21)
As Jesus brings his teaching to a close, He clarifies who is and who is not condemned. His purpose for coming was not to condemn the world. He came to save the world from the guilt of sin by dying on the cross.
Some think that the purpose of the Mosaic Law was to make men righteous. But this is not the case; the purpose of the law was to show that man was not righteous. Through the law, God showed us a glimpse of what righteousness was. However, the law also provided a way of forgiveness, through sacrifices, when they failed to keep the law. The cycle of sin and sacrifices was never-ending. The best attempts to be righteous always fail. We all know this in our hearts, even if we will not admit it to others.
Jesus did not come to earth to condemn sinners; He came to give his life as a sacrifice or payment for their sin. Because Jesus came, every sin can be forgiven, and every heart can be freed from the guilt of sin. The only reason a person will be punished for their wickedness is if they refuse to place their faith in Jesus Christ, rejecting this gift of forgiveness.
Why would anyone reject such a fantastic offer? Because they like the darkness more than the light. Acceptance of Jesus as Savior makes necessary a change in action from sin toward righteousness. Sin is never as satisfying as it once was. People love their sin so much they are willing to reject the offer of forgiveness.
Why does a person need to be born again? Because they are a sinner by birth, and they must be made righteous by new birth. When a person rejects Jesus as Savior, they are choosing an eternity apart from God.
Questions to Ponder
Do you want to spend eternity with God?
Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ?