“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

There are many people in this world that have no sense of their lost condition, yet they “join” in on the Christian life enticed by the hope of a glorious future of blessings in this life and in Heaven to come. However, the correct motivation must be the reason for the journey we call the Christian life. A few people come to the realization of the sin in their life. Some feel it weigh heavy upon their heart, desiring within to have this burden removed from their heart and life. They then seek an answer. The answer is found in the Bible. However, many do not know what to do with that information. They just do not understand. Read one of the most famous verses that hold the answer. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). But has anyone actually stopped to understand what this verse really means?

God sent His Son into the world. He gave His Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for each individual person’s sin. The penalty for sin is death. When one feels that burden after recognizing sin (also called conviction of sin), they desire to have it removed. When they hear the penalty for sin is death, they do not know what to do. However, because God is a loving and gracious God, He made provision for Jesus to pay for a person’s sin with His life. All one has to do is believe upon Jesus, receiving this great gift. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Can you better understand this verse now? Read the next verse in that passage to understand even more so as to why Jesus came: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).

After reading both of those verses, understand that the gift of the pardon for sin is offered – all one has to do is receive it. God wanted each person in the world to be saved from the penalty of sin. This pardon from sin is understood as a promise from God – but only for those who accept that gift.

Even with this information, some people decide to ignore the burden of sin. Many disregard the conviction so long that they forget it is there. They choose not to believe in Jesus enough to desire the removal of their sin. What if one chooses to continue in sin, rejecting the gift God offered? “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36). This, too, is a promise.

No one knows what tomorrow may hold. Life is fleeting and short. There is a choice. One may truly enter the Christian life after allowing Jesus to take the penalty for their sin, or one who may just think they have entered a “Christian life.” Remember that it cannot be obtained apart from Jesus. It is up to each individual to decide. Choose life (with Jesus), or receive the penalty for sin – the wrath of God abiding on him.

Have you chosen to receive the gift of salvation (life) by believing in Jesus?