Today, we are going to study John 3:16-21. Although the most famous and proclaimed salvation Scripture used throughout history has been John 3:16, there is more to this story of belief and faith. Read through these Scriptures with me.
John 3:16-21, “16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 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. 18 Whoever believes in him 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. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Looking at my commentary pertaining to verse 16, RC Sproul wrote, “Some have insisted that God send Jesus to die in order to make salvation possible for everyone without exception. However, Jesus makes clear the salvation of those whom the Father gives Him is not a mere possibility but an absolute certainty. All those whom God has chosen will come to Christ, who has laid down His life only for His sheep and not for those who have not been chosen from the foundation of the world. See John 6:37-40; John 10:14-18; and John 17:9. The point made by “the world” is that Christ’s saving work is not limited to one time or place or people (the Jews), but applies to the elect from all over the world no matter the era in which they live or their ethnicity. Moreover, in John, “the world” often opposes God (See John 1:10; 7:7; 14:17; 15:18-19), so the wonder of God’s love is displayed in the unworthiness of its object. Those who do not receive the remedy God has provided in Christ will perish. It remains true that anyone who believes in Christ will not die (be separated from God) but live in God’s presence forever.”[1]
In verse 17, Jesus will not judge the world because that time has not yet come. There will be judgement on the last day, but that has not occurred yet. The world was and is already in a threatened state of judgement before He came into the world. With Jesus’ coming, salvation becomes a reality to a hostile world.
Moving on to verse 18, Sproul wrote, “Unbelief is not the only basis for condemnation, but constitutes the climax of rebellion by resisting even God’s gracious offer of salvation in Christ. Jesus comes into a world that is already condemned because of its rejection of God’s self-revelation. (See Romans 1:18-32); and apart from the faith that unites one to Christ, individuals remain under condemnation for their sins (See John 3:36).”[2]
In verse 19, people loved the darkness more than they loved the light. It is shocking to realize that people even in today’s society would rather love and live in an abomination of sin against God as opposed to loving the light of God and of His Son Jesus. Jesus gave the reason for the worlds rejection of Him. The people loved the wickedness of the world more and as they came to the light; their wickedness would be exposed. The wicked hates exposure to their sin and they also hate the one who gives light which is Jesus, the one true Son of God.
In the last verse, whoever does what is true comes to the light. Jesus speaks of doing “truth.” Truth is a matter of both thought and practice. Living by the truth is contrasted with doing what is wicked (See v.20). “But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Where are you in your belief in God? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He came into the world to save the world but not condemn it? Jesus is calling you to come to Him. He wants a personal relationship with you. If you do not know him, won’t you pray this simple prayer? But before we pray, please read through these faith Scriptures:
The Bible says in Romans 3:23, that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
In Romans 6:23, it reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Look in John 3:3, “Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Why did Jesus come to die?
In John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” One cannot get to Heaven unless they know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Look at Romans 10:9-11, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
In 2 Corinthians 5:15, “and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
The final verse is from Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Jesus stands at your heart’s door and knocks. He wants a relationship with you. Once you accept Him as your personal Savior, He will minister to you through His Holy Spirit.
Don’t put this off any further. Please pray this prayer.
Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you came into the world to save it. I believe you died on the cross to save me of my sins. I believe that you rose from the grave on the third day. I ask you to come into my heart and forgive me from all the sins and trespasses I have ever committed. Thank you, Jesus, for saving my soul. I pray this in Jesus Name! Amen!
References:
[1] Sproul, RC; General Editor, The Reformation Study Bible (Reformation Trust: Orlando, FL, 2015), 1858.
[2] Reformation Study Bible, 1858.
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