John 3:36 - Lesson #33

We now come to the end of the third chapter. At the beginning, Jesus talked to Nicodemus about eternal life; "unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Jesus said being born again was a Spiritual birth given to "whoever believes in Him" (John 3:16). We saw how Christ is to be lifted up; "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30), and how the testimony of Christ is above all; "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God" (John 3:34). It's fitting we leave this chapter with one last look at the absolute seriousness of the gospel message.

John 3:36
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

We've seen this language earlier in the chapter: "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already" (John 3:18). And John used similar words when writing his letter; "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:12). Though these words are consistent and clear in meaning, I doubt we give much thought to what they truly imply.

The first part of the verse represents the positive side of the gospel, truly the good news. Jesus Christ came to die for the forgiveness of sin. Those who believe in Him have eternal life. Notice we have eternal life at the moment of belief, not at a future time, or after performing certain tasks, but right now!

But there is another side. Not really part of the gospel, more like the necessary reason for the gospel. For why did Christ have to die? Because the sin we all inherited from Adam put us in a state of condemnation with no hope of life. Without Jesus, there is no good news - none!

Many seem to think Jesus is for those who need extra help, for those who can't quite do it on their own. The strong and self-assured don't really need Jesus. Or maybe Jesus is for those who want to add Him to their bag of blessings. And if I'm content with my life, maybe Jesus is a blessing I can do without.

I pray we can see these views as perversions of what is clearly stated in Scripture. The truth is that without Christ we are condemned, right now. The message is not: Believe or you will be condemned. The true message is: You are condemned, so believe. The wrath of God is His utter hatred of sin. Without eternal life through belief in Jesus, God's wrath abides or remains on us because sin also remains.

There is no middle ground. There is no option for trying your best, no grace granted for being cleaner than most. Either we believe, and live forever; or we refuse to believe, and remain dead - forever! The choice is clear, choose life. Believe He died as a sacrifice for our sin and live forever. Receive His forgiveness, be born again, and live!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Steve T.,