Church-goer or not, anyone who’s watched football on TV or
been to a game has surely heard of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that
He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes on Him will have everlasting
life.” That’s a promise –the most vital one the Lord gives, assuring us of His
plan for our salvation.
Unfortunately, many people do not believe they’re worthy of
such a hope. Or they think Christ came, but not for them. And that’s where John
3:17 comes in. As the verse says: “For Christ did not come into the world to condemn
the world, but that, through Him, the world might be saved.”
What constitutes the world? The earth and the physical
beings who dwell here. That means people. And, “people” includes every human
being, every person, me, and, of course, you.
The guarantee of John 3:17 has nothing to do with how good
we are or how depraved! Whether we’re little-goody-two-shoes or people too
ashamed to hold up our heads, God’s will is for all to be saved – for all
to spend eternity in the presence of His endless love.
So, how do we get there? Jesus Himself answered that
question. When people asked, He replied: “This is the work of God, to believe
in The One He has sent,” John 6:29.
For Christ didn’t come into the world to sentence us and
jail us in hell! The Lord wants our faith in Him to enable us to receive the
forgiveness, saving grace, and eternal love He offers to all who
believe.
