World

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

Most of us, unbelievers included, know John 3:16. Where Jesus says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life….”

Famous passage; a passage of truth, but the beginning of a longer perhaps grander thought.  Jesus follows up immediately with what we call verse 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.”  What we need to realize, in spite of the arbitrary numbering systems that we have applied to the Scriptures, is that this passage is an intrinsic part of what Jesus has said in verse 16. 

Summarized, these verses teach that God sent Jesus to save the world and not condemn it.  And here we get an intimate look into the heart of our God, and what he wants.  Sometimes we believers and trusters in Christ spend a lot of time worrying about what it is that we are doing, whether as individuals, or churches, or even as a society, will cause God to condemn the world.  Sometime, if we are honest, we want it to happen, because through our eyes we easily see the venality all around us, and sometimes if we are really honest about ourselves, we see it resting in our hearts, and all of it hurts.

But we need to be reminded of Jesus’ purpose here on the earth.  It wasn’t condemnation (even if it is deserved).  It was salvation.  Which intrinsically is unearned.  This doesn’t mean that God won’t someday condemn the world, or that somehow this passage makes such a condemnation impossible.  This does not mean that God will not “bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked.” (visit Ecclesiastes 3:17)  God will do what he want and wills to do.  But this passage should give to us some peace since we are given a furtive glimpse into the very heart of what the Father was wanting to do through his Son.  Salvation, then, is nearer to us now than when we probably imagine. (visit Romans 13:11)

God loves the world so much…  Rest assured, trusting in that truth.