Without question, the most known Bible verse in all the world is John 3:16 – and it’s a great one! But do you know what vs 15 says? Vs 17? The context has to do with what it means to be born again. (This is actually one of those verses that CAN be pulled out of context because it describes so much of God’s heart.) Nicodemus, curious about Jesus, comes to Him one night with a compliment towards all Jesus had done. Jesus tells him “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nic doesn’t get it and so Jesus explains that it is not about religiosity. It’s not about DOing. It’s not about keeping “the rules.” It’s about a totally new relationship – a spiritual one! How does this occur? “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” Why? “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.” What an awesome invitation! And He did this to SAVE us not condemn us! But what about those who don’t believe? “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” Jesus is Light and Light exposes evil and some people will sadly love evil more than Light. I used to.
The chapter finishes with John the Baptizer describing his position in regards to Jesus. John is a friend, not the Savior. “He must become greater; I must become less.” – was JTB’s disposition!
SO WHAT?!
*Memorize John 3:16 if you haven’t already!
*We all must be “born again” to have eternal life, there is no in between. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." To remain neutral to Jesus is still a form of rejection. Lets continue to lovingly pray for our friends who tell us “Jesus is good for you”, because they truly just don’t understand!
*Who is increasing in your life? Jesus or You? Oh Lord, please help it to be Jesus!!!
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