SCRIPTURE:
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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:16-18
OBSERVATION:
It’s not that the Gospel is complicated––it’s that people have complicated the Gospel. And it’s not that people dislike God––it’s that they dislike who they think He is. For if they really knew who God was, they would fall in love with Him.
John 3 contains one of the most succinct, clear, and powerful explanations of God and His intentions. And in three consecutive verses, Jesus answers us the three most important questions people ask when figuring out their faith.
Why did God come?
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.
God came because of love. In the same way that you show up for people that you love––to a concert, a graduation, a celebration––God shows up for you. He traversed the infinite distance from heaven to earth because He loved you. And not only did He come because of love; He died because of love.
What is God’s desire?
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
God does not desire to condemn you; He desires to save you. God is not an evil dictator or an unrighteous judge. He does not desire to control you, exert power over you, or con you out of your freedom; He desires to give you freedom. It’s not a trick and it’s not “too good to be true.” God is good, He loves you, and His heart is for you.
Why do we need God?
John 3:18
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
We need God because we are hopeless without Him. The reality is that without God, we are condemned to hell. And what is hell? It is every evil, pain, and sorrow imaginable times infinity. It is unending suffering. It is a life of eternal condemnation and separation from God––and everything good that He created. But because of Jesus’ sacrifice, this does not need to be our reality. For anyone who chooses Christ is saved from condemnation and is made new, free, and redeemed.
APPLICATION:
People may have overcomplicated the Gospel, but the Gospel is not complicated. It is as simple as “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” (John 3:16). You don’t need to be a pastor or theologian to get it. God made His Gospel simple and uncomplicated so that “[none] should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
If you have not yet given your life to Christ, what are you waiting for? You now know who God really is––a loving Father, a gracious Savior, and a faithful Friend. You have nothing to worry about, for Jesus has answered your greatest questions. Make that decision today. It’s as simple as “A-B-C”––Admitting you are a sinner in need of a Savior, Believing that He came, died, and rose again on the third day for your sins, and Confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. And when you give your life to Christ, you are a “new creation…the old has gone, the new is here” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
And if you have already given your life to Christ, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone! “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matther 5:16-18). You have the answer to every question people are searching for, and His name is Jesus. Salvation doesn’t end with you; it begins with you. Stop wondering if those you love will be coming with you to heaven––share God’s love with them and ensure their eternity by sharing the simple, uncomplicated Gospel of God’s love.
God came because He loves us. He died because He loves us. And He continues to pursue us over and over and over again because He loves us. The Gospel is simple––it all comes down to God’s love.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Jesus. Dear Jesus, thank You that You came, You died, and You rose again for my sins that I might have life everlasting. Change me. Use me. Make me the person You want me to be. Jesus Christ is my Lord. He is my Savior. I belong to Him. I love You, Lord. Thank You for loving me.
In Jesus name I pray,
Amen
