Neon sign displaying 'Jesus Saves' reflecting the message of salvation through Jesus Christ as highlighted in John 3:16-18, underscoring the urgency to share faith and prevent damnation as emphasized by Charles Spurgeon.
The question of hell and its nature is a weighty one for many. As Christians grounded in orthodox theology, we understand hell as a real place of separation from God. This naturally leads us to a crucial question: Given the reality of hell, what does that mean for us and our loved ones? The answer, or at least a profound part of it, resonates deeply within the verses of John 3:16-18, a cornerstone passage for Christians worldwide.
John 3:16-18 is not just a collection of comforting words; it’s a powerful declaration of God’s character and His plan for humanity. Let’s delve into these verses from the New International Version to truly grasp their significance:
“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. 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 they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
Often, these verses are attributed directly to Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. However, biblical scholarship suggests these are words of commentary from John the Apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit. This explanation builds upon Jesus’ earlier analogy in John 3:14-15, referencing the Old Testament story in Numbers 21 where the Israelites were healed by looking at a bronze serpent. Just as looking at the serpent brought physical salvation, looking to Jesus – believing in Him – offers spiritual salvation.
While God’s grace is freely offered, John 3:16-18 underscores human responsibility. The phrase “whoever believes in him” is not passive intellectual agreement. It’s about entrusting our lives to Jesus, a heartfelt faith that transforms us from spiritual death to eternal life. This ‘believing’ and ‘knowing’ relationship with Jesus, as highlighted throughout John’s Gospel, transcends mere mental assent. It’s a deep, personal connection that reorients our entire being.
Verse 17 and 18 of John 3:16-18 further clarify God’s intention. God sent Jesus not to condemn, but to save. This is a crucial point often missed. Condemnation isn’t God’s primary desire; salvation is. John 3:18 highlights that “whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already.” The condemnation isn’t an active sentence imposed by God upon disbelief; rather, it’s a pre-existing state.
The question then arises: Why are those who do not believe “condemned already”? Is it God’s arbitrary will? Absolutely not. The verse concludes with the answer: “because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Rejection of Jesus, God’s ultimate gift of love and salvation, is the root of this condemnation. God has taken the initiative, offering salvation through Jesus. If we reject this offer, the responsibility for condemnation rests with us, not with God’s lack of desire to save.
Therefore, our mission as believers, reflecting on the powerful message of John 3:16-18, becomes clear: to share Jesus with others. Knowing the profound gift offered and the consequence of rejecting it should ignite a passion within us. As Charles Spurgeon poignantly stated, we should strive to such an extent that “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped around their knees. If hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let no one go unwarned or unprayed for.” The urgency and love within John 3:16-18 compels us to action, urging us to share the life-saving message of Jesus Christ with a world in desperate need of hope and salvation.
