Amazedნიმუში

A Verdict With an Invitation

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, ESV).

Although the return of Jesus will include his role as judge, his initial journey to earth was strictly as Savior. This is taught in the verse above. But then, in the very next verse, John reveals that every person is in one of two positions in the sight of God. “Whoever believes in him (Jesus) 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” (John 3:18, ESV, emphasis mine). If you find yourself in the latter part of that verse, the good news is that things aren’t final.

Because of sin, every person throughout human history was once separated from God and under condemnation (judgment). And while the verdict is in, everyone may still appeal. The judgment entrusted to Jesus is more than a truth—it’s also an invitation. An invitation to recognize our need for a Savior, and to be granted a victorious appeal through repentance and faith. An appeal that doesn’t overturn anyone’s guilty verdict but enables someone else (Jesus) to satisfy the required punishment.

If you’re presently living under the judgment of Christ, that can change. Jesus loves you with an everlasting love and proved it by dying in your place (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10). He came to earth for you! Therefore, until Christ returns, you can still repent, believe, and have your judgment transferred to the Lord of glory, who took your condemnation for you. The moment you do, you too will be able to say, “Sin gone, His righteousness mine,” and rest in the following promise, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Reflection: As you read the verses from John, what do verses 19 and 20 reveal about those who reject Christ?

John 3:16-21
Romans 5:6-11