John 3:17-18 (WEL) “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 18 “The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the one who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
V17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
Faith, believing in Jesus Christ alone, is taught in these verses.
If someone does not believe, then why?
There is no excuse for all have some light somewhere; somehow God the Holy Spirit opens a person’s heart and mind to understand enough and to realize they are in spiritual trouble. Light (truth about God and His Gospel, whether a poor or imperfect understanding).
- All have seen the light, whether very strongly and plainly as these people who hear and see Jesus.
- For others, it is weaker, as those who hear the Gospel but not the Savior in person (Hebrews 2:3 and Acts 20 (Acts 20:24).
- Next, are those who have heard less (Philippians 1:17-28).
- Last are those who have no witness but creation itself, for even that little witness can be used by God to give a minimal understanding of the Gospel (Romans 1:18-21).
Here is a list of some of the phrases about Jesus coming into the world:
- He was sent—here and 1 John 4:14
- He was given—Isaiah 9:6, John 3:16, and Romans 8:32
- I, Jesus, came—John 8:14, John 8:42, and John 10:10
- I, Jesus, gave myself—Galatians 2:20
All can be saved, for it is God’s great desire. The world is all humans (see notes at John 3:16).
The purpose of Jesus’s coming is not for judgment, which is read about in Zechariah 14. The purpose was to be the Messiah, the Passover Lamb, and to bring salvation.
The word world refers to all humans. God wants all humans to be saved, but most refuse (Matthew 23:37, Isaiah 30:15, John 5:40, and Stephen in Acts 7:51).
Bible Knowledge Commentary: “Though light casts shadows, its purpose is to illuminate. Though those who do not believe are condemned, God’s purpose in sending His Son is salvation (to save), not damnation (to condemn). God does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 18:32). He desires that everyone be saved (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).”
Salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ. Sacraments, rituals, priests, pastors, church attendance, good works, baptism, etc., do not, cannot, will not save a person from the just punishment for their sins.
V18 “The one who believes in him is not condemned, but the one who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Salvation is only through faith. This is a faith that trusts in Jesus to accomplish what He promised. I believe, and Jesus saves. Faith precedes regeneration, that is, all the benefits and blessings flowing from salvation occur because God initiated salvation, but I must believe of my free will and choice.
A public confession of faith is most often when a new believer is baptized.
No faith? Rejection, refusal, turning your back on, rebellion, etc., brings God’s wrath (Romans 2:5-8 and 2 Thessalonians 1:8). Believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), but when a person refuses to believe and rejects the Gospel offer, that brings all the curses of God. Every person is conceived with a sin nature and will go to hell unless they believe. Yet, before a person is able to comprehend their sin, salvation is granted. All stillborns, miscarriages, infant deaths, etc., will be saved.
Jesus, God the Son, is begotten, that is, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:34-38).
We learn:
- God requires our faith in Jesus Christ alone.
- If a person does not believe, regardless of the reason, they will experience God’s wrath.
Questions:
- Have you believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ; trusting in Him alone for salvation?
- Are you relying on good works, sacraments, priests, etc., to be saved?