John 3:17

Good Morning,

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.

I'm sure that every Christian, and even most non Christians, know John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." That verse tells us exactly how much God loves people and what He was willing to do in order that human beings have the opportunity for eternal life with Him. That is a very good thing, knowing what John 3:16 says. Of course it's better if all people were to fully understand the meaning and implications of that verse, but, that's a different message.

It is unfortunate, even knowing about John 3:16, how many Christians, and now we can add most non Christians, don't have any idea what John 3:17 has to say about the "why" of Jesus coming for our forgiveness and salvation. And, you know what? It IS sometimes something people don't know that can severely hurt them.

The unfortunate thing about not knowing and understanding John 3:17 is that people, unbelievers, too often think that God is a menacing God and that He condemns everyone and demands too much from people. You see, people who don't realize that God doesn't wish to condemn, but to save, just don't realize what and who God is.

I would suggest to all of my Christian brothers and sisters that when we quote John 3:16, as we should when we are speaking to someone who doesn't know Jesus Christ, we should also go on to include John 3:17. People need to know that Jesus didn't come to this planet to issue a set of rules to be followed so that those who DON'T follow them would be condemned. People need to know that the exact opposite is true. Those with whom we speak really need to comprehend what Jesus was saying in these verses. We need to stress God's love of mankind and His wish that all be saved. We need to be sure that folks don't get the idea of a condemning God, but of a loving God.

So, let's not forget the to include verse 17 when we quote verse 16.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David