No Condemnation

In John 3:16 we see how great God’s love for us is and that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. The good news doesn’t end there. In John 3:17 we are told that God sent His Son to save the world, not condemn it. God’s great love wants to save all people. God doesn’t reject people. People reject God. If we look at society we’ll find condemnation all around us. To condemn is to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation. It doesn’t take much to see this in our society. People who don’t agree on things see the others as reprehensible, wrong, and evil. But that’s society and God is far above the society we live in.

Our Creator doesn’t condemn us. Would you condemn what you created? I’ll guess that answer is “no.” And so it is with God. God took the time to create us with HIs own hands and brought life with His own breath. The Psalmist wrote, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13. God can do what He wants with His creation. One thing He doesn’t want to do is condemn it. If we believe in His Son, Jesus we will not be condemned, but will be saved from the punishment our sin deserves. We deserve death, but what God gives through HIs Son, Jesus, is life. 

My past isn’t stellar. I’m guessing yours isn’t either. During my drinking days I was skilled at manipulation. In fact, I still am. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit my manipulation of others is held in check. This is why Jesus walked the earth for 33 years. He didn’t come to condemn us. He came to save us. He came to restore, not destroy. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice” (Isaiah 42:3). Justice will be served. However, if we believe in Jesus, justice will not condemn us. Instead, we will be saved from the death sentence that we so deserve. Jesus was sent by God to save, not condemn.