“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 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.” (John 3:17-18)
Some people get so mad at Jesus and/or those of us who believe in him and say so. How dare he exclude anyone from getting into heaven, from spending eternity with God? How could his followers be so narrow-minded and exclusive?
But it’s all upside down. Jesus didn’t come to say, “You’re out!” He came to say, “Come in!” He came to make the invitation, not to block the door. All are welcome to believe in him and escape being condemned. That is an inclusive invitation.
Instead, though, Jesus says, people condemn themselves by refusing to believe in him, to believe in his name, to believe in Jesus. He is the one being excluded, not those who refuse the offer of eternal life.
Think: Are you sometimes tempted to think that Christianity is too narrow and exclusive? How is that view different from what Jesus is saying here?
Pray: Thank God for making eternal life available to all who believe in Jesus.
Do: Think of 2-3 people you know who don’t believe in Jesus as their savior. Write their names down on a quick list to remind you to pray for them every day this week.