Savior, Not Condemner

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.
(John 3:17)

Meditation

God doesn’t want anyone to go to hell. He sent Jesus to save us from that awful alternative. An unsaved person might say however, “I’m not all that bad. I’ve never stolen anything significant or killed anybody. I deserve to go to heaven, if there is such a place.” If they’re only being compared against the rest of humanity, that might be reason enough for them to go to heaven. However, other humans are not the standard by which we are going to be judged, God is. Whatever goodness there is in my life is being measured against him. That makes all the difference in the world. God is perfect and good. I stand no chance in that contest. Comparing myself to him, my goodness is like filthy rags.
When Jesus came, he took our sin and shame, everything bad about us on his shoulders as he hung on the cross. As he hung there, he asked the Father to forgive those who put him there. His blood washes us clean of our iniquities and we become a totally new creation. The Father no longer sees filthy rags when he looks upon us, he sees the likeness of his only Son. If the purpose for the first coming of Jesus was to condemn, none of us would stand a chance. Every person born is destined for hell, because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Without turning to Jesus and making him the Lord of their lives, our fates are sealed, and we have only ourselves to blame. He doesn’t choose hell for anyone. You make that decision by turning your back on the only One who can save you.
He loves and cares about each of us whether we have turned to Jesus or not, but he is also just. He wants everyone to go to heaven, but his justice demands we submit our lives to Jesus. If we haven’t, he cannot allow us to be with him after this life is over. We must make our decisions for Christ before we pass away or before his final wrath comes down on the earth. If we don’t, we are the ones who have chosen hell. It will be too late, then, to change our minds. If you haven’t already done so, won’t you choose Jesus today? He loves you so much, he chose you when he went to the cross. All you have to do is come to him. He waits with open arms for you to choose him over this fallen world.





Prayer Time

Heavenly Father, we bend down to our knees in your presence because you are holy, and we are not. Satan wants unbelievers to think Jesus came only to condemn them for the way they live. That is Satan’s greatest lie. They willingly believe that lie because they don’t want to submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ. You have given us the words of salvation for those who need to hear them, but we have to be willing to share them with the unsaved. Father give us the courage and the heart to spread the good news of a savior who loves us unconditionally. Jesus wants to save everyone, but he will not force them to follow him. We know it’s not your plan for anyone to go to hell. That’s the place of punishment for Satan and his fallen angels. Keep us mindful that you are in control and you will reign supreme, forever. We pray for everyone who does not yet know you. Soften their hearts and make us willing and able to share the gospel with them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

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