(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17 KJV)

It is not hard to look around at the state of this world to see that we need a Saviour. We can’t turn on the news without seeing some type of crime that has been committed. It seems that we can’t walk out of the door without taking extra precautions of our surroundings. One of the things that saddens me is hearing that someone has been killed, simply for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. We live in a world with corrupt political leaders, a world where right appears to be wrong and wrong appears to be right. We live in a world where there is still racial injustices. We live in a world full of rape and molestation, kidnappings and people being sold into sex trafficking. We live in a world of drugs and drug trafficking. We live in a world where there is so much division. It seems that where ever we turn. We see some type of misery and destruction. However, we also serve a God who sees all of this. Not only does he see, but he made a way. Scripture tells us in the above scripture that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. He gave his only begotten Son to take our place. Earlier, I mentioned that we need a Saviour. Jesus Christ is that Savior. I remember last year after the George Floyd killing and the riots that ensued after. Feeling a sense of sadness and discouragement. At those who felt that it was okay to destroy someone else’s establishment. I looked at those who could just take another life, without a second thought. I looked at fights being posted all over the internet for our “enjoyment” and its hard not to look at the state of this world and not be saddened in some type of way. In the midst of feeling all of these things. God had to remind me. That these were the very reason why he sent his Son. Jesus didn’t go to the cross for the righteous. No, he went to the cross for sinners like you and me. When he hung from the cross. He could see the world in its dying form. The murder(ers) that we shake our heads at. Christ died for them too. The child molesters and rapist. Were the very ones that Christ died and rose for. The liars, backbiters, gossipers, pimps, prostitutes, fornicators, adulterers, addicts, corrupt officials, racist and so much more. These (we) are the very ones that Christ went to the cross for. Verse 17 lets us know that

For God sent not his Son to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17 KJV)

I have a question. If Jesus was not sent into the world to condemn it. Then why do we condemn each other? Why do we allow others to condemn us. Truthfully, i believe that this world is already condemned. Christ did not come to condemn the world, but he did come to convict the world. There is a big difference. According to WikiDiff to condemn is to confer some sort of eternal divine punishment, while convict is to find guilty. (WikiDiff 2020) in both condemnation and conviction both we are indeed found guilty. However, condemnation carries eternal consequences, while conviction is just for a moment and will lead to life (conviction vs condemnation, Olan Stubbs, January 20, 2020). Verse 17 continues on to say but that the world through him might be saved. It is through Jesus that we are saved. Satan wants to deceive us and tell us that we are condemned, but Christ clearly lets us know that he came not to condemn this world. Or better yet the people in this world, but in order for us not to be condemned. We must believe in Jesus. That he died and rose again. For sinners like you and me. It is by belief in him. That we pass from death to life. Jesus did his part on the cross. Our part is to believe. Jesus death on the cross convicts us of our wrongdoing, but God uses that conviction as an avenue for a changed life. It is because of what Jesus did on the cross that we don’t have to fear living a life of condemnation.

And I, if i be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (John 12:32 KJV)

Jesus tells us in this passage of scripture. That if he be lifted up from the earth. That he will draw all men to him. We know that he is referring to his death on the cross. On the cross he was lifted up. Even atheists knows of Jesus on the cross. However, I also believe that even now. We can still lift Jesus from the earth. We lift him when we tell others about Jesus. Jesus is lifted from the earth every time we minister (truthfully) in his name. He is lifted every time we his ambassadors do his works. His death on the cross, our witnessing about him, our works in his name. Lifts up the name of Jesus and because he is lifted it draws all eyes on him. It draws all eyes to him. I watched this YouTube video last week about this young minister who was trying to convince a homosexual man to accept Christ. I appreciated his zeal. However, I didn’t like the fact that he tried to force Jesus on him either. God’s word is enough. His word is enough to lift up Jesus. Even Jesus does not force us to believe in him. There’s an old saying that says Jesus is a gentleman. He never forces his way in. He is also patient. He waits. For he knows that when he and he alone is lifted. That it draws all men to him. There is something about being drawn in by something or someone. It is almost like a magnetizing effect. By his death on the cross and his resurrection. We are drawn to him. We don’t have to come up with clever eventful ways to draw others to him. His word is enough. His going to the cross his enough. The fact that the Holy Spirit rose him from death is enough. God did not send Jesus into this world to condemn it. Rather Jesus was sent that through him that the world might be saved. It is a might because sadly not everyone will accept him. He came that the world might be saved, but it is a personal decision to accept his works on the cross. One that only you can make. It does not matter what you did in your past. Or what you are currently doing in your present. Jesus awaits for you with open arms. If you haven’t been saved and would like to be. Invite Jesus into your heart. Confess that you are a sinner. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) confess your need for him and invite him into your heart and your life. If you did that and you meant it in your heart. Congrats, you have just passed from death to life. Welcome to the family of God. Heaven celebrates you!

God’s blessings,

Aqua.