God So Loved the World

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Scripture: John 3:16-17 (ESV)

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.

Devotion:

            Today we consider the best-known words in the entire New Testament. It is important to pay attention to what these words say because they are so familiar that they lose their meaning. I guess the old cliche applies here “familiarity breeds contempt.” So just what do these words mean to the modern reader that has not already been said by others?

            First it is important to emphasize what they do not mean. They are not a license to run wild and do whatever we please because God in his infinite grace has already provided a way of salvation. They are not saying that we should eat, drink, and be merry, for when we die God will forgive us based on Jesus' life, death, and ascension. While it is true that God has provided a way for penitent believers to be saved from their sins. It is not a license to do whatever you want and expect God will save you from your sins.

            Jesus through his death and resurrection has not provided a means of salvation from eternal death regardless of how we live. Not that our works save us as the Bible is clear at that point. It does, however, means that we should live in obedience to the law that has been handed down for our behavior. As the scripture above says God will save everyone who believes in his son Jesus will be saved. Believing in Jesus entails following Jesus and living the kind of life he lived while he walked upon the earth

            It is clear from the scripture above that God does not want any to parish in their sins. God is a merciful God and wants all to come to a saving knowledge of his son. Jesus did not come to condemn the world. He has shown us through the fact of his resurrection that he is a powerful and compassionate God who truly loves his human creatures. Jesus desires all humankind to follow him and love their fellow humans and God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

            There can be no doubt that Jesus through his resurrection has the power to save humankind from our sin and disobedience. Jesus' life did not happen so that the world might be destroyed but that it would be made new in the image of the creator God. Let us rejoice in that fact.

Prayer

            Lord, you came that we would have life forever by the life, death, and resurrection of your son Jesus. Our salvation is promised in your word to us. Help us live considering your great love for us. Treating our fellow humans with respect and love always. Teach us to keep our eyes on the prize of eternal life with you. Let not earthly distractions interfere with the holy life you desire us to live. In Jesus name we ask this. Amen. 

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