LISTEN
TO JESUS
COME
TO THE LIGHT
John
3:19-21 And this is the condemnation, that light is
come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh
to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh
to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in
God.
Susan: The English
Standard Version translates the word “condemnation” as “verdict.” According to
Webster, one definition of verdict is “Decision; judgment; opinion pronounced;
as, to be condemned by the verdict of the public.”
Susie: We love to think
of Jesus as the One who saves the world, but He is also the only one qualified
to pronounce a verdict on its sin since He Himself was sinless. Jesus is the
One who shines a light on the true motives of people. He did not come to
actively condemn people because they had already condemned themselves due to
their unbelief and actions. He puts a spotlight on our hearts which will enable
those who believe to see their true condition and their need of Jesus to rescue
them from it.
Susan: Those who do not
believe and trust in the saving grace of Jesus’ death on the cross in their
place fear exposure of their true selves and especially exposure by the Light
of Christ. In contrast, those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus, have
no reason to fear . . .
Susie: . . . because
Jesus has paid the price in full for their wrongdoing.
Susan: Substitutionary
atonement is a fancy phrase meaning Jesus died in their place to pay their
debt.
Susie: When God
looks at those of us who believe, He does not see our thick file of bad stuff,
but instead sees the righteousness of His Son.
Philippians 3:9 (NIV) …and be found in him, not having a
righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through
faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies
us from all sin.
Susie: “What can wash
away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!” This old hymn says it well. Jesus
is the only One who can enable us to stand in the light without fear.
· Does the Light of Jesus make you
feel naked and exposed? Jesus died literally naked on the cross to save you
from the wrath of God and remove that guilt and shame from you.
· Have you accepted His free gift of salvation?
If so, you are covered in His righteousness and enabled by Him to turn from sin
to an intimate relationship with the God who created everything!
· If you have not yet experienced
the saving grace of God, pray asking Him to open your eyes to the truth of His
word. You may contact us for more details via our website: www.preciousjewelsministries.org
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