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John 3:17 - Jesus Came To Save Not Condemn.John 3:17 (NIV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.COMMENTARY PEARL Goodbye Guilt The stories we tell ourselves have the power to build us up or tear us down. Unfortunately, one story we repeat far too often is that of our guilt. Our failure. The Enemy loves nothing more than to hurl accusations and whispers of condemnation into our heads and our hearts. And once that story of guilt starts flowing, it can be difficult to turn it off. Like a movie on an endless loop, we replay our shame until we start to believe it's our reality. But Jesus has a better story, and it is this: In Christ, your guilt is gone. Radical grace overwrites everything - your pride, your selfishness, your sin. Whatever you've done, grace can overcome it. If guilt has a stronghold on your life, you have the power in Christ to overcome it for good. You can live forgiven and free because Jesus came from heaven to earth and did what you could not so that He could give you the grace you did not deserve. Embrace His majesty and praise the God who has set you free. Dear God, through Your blood I declare that guilt no longer has a hold on me! [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] COMMENTARY Already Judged As a society, Americans are fond of their rights. We're very protective of our liberties, even when they might bring harm rather than good. That can be true of spiritual matters as well. For example, exercising the "right" to reject God's plan of salvation leaves a person in a condemned condition. I have heard the following phrase often in my years of ministry: "I don't believe God is going to condemn me to hell." I agree, but not with the comment's intended meaning--that a person is worthy of heaven on the basis of his own merit. You see, it is true that the Lord doesn't condemn people to hell. He allows them to opt for that eternal destination themselves. They have a right to choose. God says that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have been judged already (v. 18). In other words, by rejecting--or politely ignoring--their need for a Savior, unbelievers have chosen to remain unsaved and unforgiven. Scripture teaches that there will one day be a judgment, but God has already determined that those who trust in Christ will stand with Him while the rest will be sent away (Matt. 25:34-46). An unrepentant man or woman is not condemned by God but, rather, has chosen to remain in the company of all those condemned by their own free will. God desires that everyone come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9). To that end, He has granted each person the right to decide whether or not to follow in obedience. However, those who reject the Savior are forewarned that they have settled for condemnation. [In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley at www.intouch.org] ILLUSTRATION Over the years as I've taken part in outreach efforts to share Jesus with people, I've offered them little pocket-sized booklets about salvation. These little books vividly illustrate how people are separated from God due to their sin, complete with sad-face line drawings to emphasize their unfortunate spiritual situation. I admit, I had trouble sharing what seemed like bad news (that without Jesus they would face God's wrath [John 3:36]) to people who might not want to hear it. The few takers I had went away troubled. I felt there must be a better way to share the news about Jesus. As I learned more about how much Jesus loves me, I decided to share my faith differently. During a family hotel stay, I tried it out when we encountered a friendly waitress at breakfast. Throughout the meal, she served us cheerfully and patiently. When we tipped her, I said, "Just wanted to remind you that Jesus loves you very much. He cares about you." Immediately, she teared up. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that today," she said. What a different response from the other ones! At that moment, I realized that people might be more open to hearing about Jesus when they know how much He cares. After all, sharing the good news of Jesus is good news - and we all can use a little more of that! Pamela Toussaint Howard Faith Step: Think of a caring action or simple kindness you can do to let someone know the good news about Jesus. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY John 3:17 - Jesus Came To Save Not Condemn. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220712-1045.html Luke 19:10 - Christ Came to Seek and Save the Lost. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240522-0834.html Romans 8:1, 2 - When Living In Christ And Spirit Filled There Is No Condemnation. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240313-0928.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |