One of my goals for the year was to read the Bible more. It’s not an easy feat, given how busy we are. I have started off well, then let myself lapse, and now I’m trying my best to be consistent in my reading. We’ll see how this goes.
One of the bible versus I’ve had memorized since I was a young kid in catechism class is in the gospel of John, where God the Father sacrifices his own son, Jesus, to pay the debt of human sin. Today I read the verse with fresh eyes and I wanted to share my thoughts.
John 3:16-18 is a profound and impactful passage that encapsulates the essence of Christianity and the message of God’s love and salvation. This verse holds a special place in the hearts of believers as it unveils the core principles of faith, grace, and redemption. Let’s delve into a reflective exploration of these verses:
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the magnitude of God’s love. It’s a declaration that His love is boundless and all-encompassing, extending to every corner of the world and to every individual. The concept of God giving His only Son emphasizes the depth of His sacrificial love, as Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross symbolizes God’s desire for reconciliation with humanity. As believers, we’re invited to embrace this love and accept the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
John 3:17: “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.”
This verse shifts our perspective from fear and condemnation to hope and salvation. It underscores God’s intention behind sending Jesus to the world. Instead of coming to pass judgment, Jesus came to offer a path to salvation. It’s a profound reminder that God’s desire is not to condemn but to redeem, to rescue us from our brokenness and sin. This message encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that His arms are open wide for those who seek His grace.
John 3:18: “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.”
This verse highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation of salvation. Belief in Him is the transformative key that removes the weight of condemnation. It stresses the role of our own choices in accepting or rejecting God’s offer of redemption. The verse underscores that the ultimate condemnation lies not in God’s judgment, but in choosing to remain separated from the source of life and light. It urges us to ponder the significance of our beliefs and their eternal consequences.
Reflecting on these verses, I am reminded of the immense privilege we have in embracing God’s love and salvation. It’s a call to respond to His love with trust and faith, allowing it to shape our lives and draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. As we internalize the message of John 3:16-18, may we be inspired to share this transformative love with others and to live out the faith that springs from the wellspring of God’s boundless grace.
Hey Dana Jane 
Leave a comment