VL 003 — Is Condemnation Optional?

Readings:
Genesis 12:1-8; Psalm 33:12-22; Romans 4:1-17; John 3:1-17

Jesus and Nicodemus by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898
Jesus and Nicodemus by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898
  • John 3 is at the Heart of John’s Gospel
  • God’s plan of salvation is for the wold.
  • God loved the world… regardless of: race, wealth, abilities… Even those who did not love Him.
  • This love is Agape – Doing what is right on the behalf of the object of love…not a feeling
  • You are “whosoever”!  It is not limited to a color, size, nation, family, race, economic status, etc.
  • How much of creation was waiting for redemption? (Romans 8)
  • “…that the world might be saved through him.”  This makes clear the possibility for salvation.  Sadly some “might” not accept the invitation.
  • A leader of the Jews, Nicodemus, seeks out Jesus.
  • Why did he come by night? (5:55 — 7:16 — four theori es)
  • What might have been going through Nicodemus’ head when he heard Jesus say “You must be born again (anew)?
  • Who can enter the Kingdom of God?
  • Can someone on the “outside” understand the ways of the Kingdom?  The Cross does not make sense to someone who is walking in darkness.
  • What does it mean that the son of man “must be lifted up”? (v 14 and Numbers 21)
  • It is not in our own efforts, but looking to Jesus that we find our deliverance/salvation.
  • What do we see when we gaze upon the cross (or a crucifix)?
  • How can we lift Him up in our daily lives?
  • Not only eternal life…but abundant life (John 10:10)
  • Condemnation is optional!  God has provided all we need.  Each of us is invited into a relationship with God through Christ.  Jesus did not come to condemn.  Rather, he came to save.
  • There may be parts of our own lives, our own hearts, that we try to hid in the darkness.