January 23, 2014
YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN! When Christ makes a commanding statement like this we should take it very seriously. You have heard God hates sin but loves the sinner, right? How does that play out in reality? Can we put sin in prison without putting the sinner behind bars? In what ways can actions be separated from the person who carried those actions out?
I agree there are situations that have caused one to be a certain way. Those situations are brought about by sin and the fallen condition of man. I think the real difficulty is to comprehend that God hates and loves us at the same time. In verse 36 of John chapter 3 the verse reads that “the wrath of God abides on Him”. The word wrath carries the idea of violent passion or anger. The lost, because of their sin, have the “wrath of God” on them. The saved would have this wrath but we are covered by the blood of Christ, so God no longer sees our sin but He sees Christ. (Romans 5:9)
God is not willing that any should perish, but many will hear, “depart from me into everlasting darkness”. How can a loving God condemn people He loves? The verse in John 3:18 states that we are condemned because of our sins, because we are sinners. The righteousness of God hates sin and it brings the condemnation of God and the wrath of God onto sinners. It is not an either/or when it comes to the judgment of God and the love of God, it is a both. God loves us! And without the blood of Christ His wrath is on us.
As we read chapter three in light of God’s love and His wrath, we see why we “must be born-again.” Have you come to Jesus and received forgiveness for your sins? I pray that you have been born again and if not that you will pray and ask God to forgive you of your sins and that you will receive what Christ did on the cross as the payment for your sins.
Tomorrow lets re-read chapter 5
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