We moved!

Check out our relocated blog site here:

www.thedeluge.org/blog

Two Roads

What a journey we have had through the Gospel of John!

Before we begin to dig into what John 3 is all about, let’s take a few minutes and reflect back on the previous posts on John 1 & 2.

In John 1 we explored that Jesus is the Word and He is with God in the beginning. Everything was created through and for Jesus, because Jesus is God. This should change the way we view the Word of God and the way we view Jesus Christ. This will deepen our personal relationship with Him and change the way we convey the Gospel to others around us.

John starts off with this eye opening truth so we might understand the points Jesus makes throughout this gospel. As you began to read more, you’ll realize the connections Jesus makes with himself and the Father God. This realization will transform the way you read not only the Gospel of John, but the Bible all together.

We definitely can not dismiss the powerful message of John 2. This passage not only gives an account of Jesus’ miraculous power, but paints the picture of Jesus as the groom of our souls, the relationship for which we were created. In this, He is where we find our ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment.

Jesus has a reason and a purpose for His first sign. The more I read, the more I come to know that Jesus wants us to realize our need for Him. I pray this revelation will grow into a daily dependence upon our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I encourage you, if you haven’t already, to read John 1 and 2 before continuing on to John 3. These 2 chapters begin to set the stage for what is to come in the book of John. Whether this is new or old knowledge, let it transform you. These are truths that we should never depart from!

As we look into John 3, there are many lessons that we can draw from. I believe there is a fresh word in season for you as you read it.

There is one section that I want to focus on – John 3:16-21.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only begotten son that whoever may believe in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (vs 16)

No matter how many times we read this verse, it should continually transform our hearts.

God loves the world. Think about it. Jesus is his son and He freely gave him up for us all, while we were yet sinners. It was nothing that we did right to deserve this humble act of love, but God knew we needed a Savior. We were separated from him and he knew who could bring us back to him: Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8-11 says, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still yet sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”

John and Paul were in sync.

Let’s look at what John says next in verses 17-18 in connection to the verses mention above.

“For God did not send his son to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe in him is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Condemnation means to denounce, to blame, to disprove of, to bring guilt upon someone. God didn’t send his Son into the world to bring guilt upon us, but to bring the grace that would save the world from their sins through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8)

He came to a world already condemned. He came to save a guilty people. He came to turn dead people into ALIVE people. Jesus brought life.

We have all experienced some form of guilt or shame. When condemnation tries to creep it’s way in after a wrong decision, (in word, thought, or action), it’s important to remember the grace you have been given through Jesus.

Jesus is explaining that there are two roads to go down. You can choose the path of condemnation or choose the path of grace. Choosing condemnation leads people down the road of depression, more sin, isolation etc. Walking in grace leads you to repentance, helps you rise up after a fall, helps you turn from your ways, etc.

Jesus continues …

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

Wow. What a statement of truth. This is very evident in the world around us.

Verse 19-20 depicts the repercussion of letting guilt and shame take the place of grace. Fear of exposure leads to hiding and even remaining entangled in the sin. It feels safer when no one knows, but in reality it’s not safe at all. As a result, many don’t come to Jesus, the light of life, who would free them (John 8:12, Romans 6:22).

In retrospect, whoever lives by the truth (John 1:14) comes to the light so that it may be seen that what he has done has been done through God and only God.

What a difference it would make if we chose the path of grace and help others see it as well.

Think about the place God has you in currently. It might be at home with your family commuting to school, living on a college campus or working in an establishment.

Do you see people that feel hurt or condemned by God? What do you see when you look into their eyes or even by talking to them? Are they hiding behind guilt so deep they can’t seem to find there way out?

You have a message that will save them from their guilt,  shame and never ending slavery to sin.

How does this affect the way you think about guilt and shame? How can you bring this message into your life and the lives of those around you?