John 3:17 – Jesus Saves

by Omar Bravo    /    Theology

It seems that the most quoted, most popular, and most celebrated verse in the Bible is John 3:16… 

“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.” 

So popular is this verse that it can often be found being held up by screaming football fans in the stands of the NFL. But as wonderful as the message of the John 3:16 is, I believe that the Good News of the Gospel is left incomplete and lacking the full glory of it’s intended context if it stands alone, separated from 3:17… 

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” 

Often times, I believe that Christians do a great job of communicating the message of 3:16 to the world, but we do a terrible job of SHOWING the world the desire that God has to forgive. Rather than judge and condemn, Real Men need to lead by example in the realm of forgiveness, and acceptance. 

There is no doubt that men operate within a hierarchy. But when it comes to Jesus, none are worthy. The outer image might be enough to impress the guys at the country club and the girls at the night club, but God knows the Real You. He knows your flaws, your short-comings, your fears, and your sin. And He loves you anyways. He has no desire to condemn you. He sent His Son to die so that you could be saved through Him! 

To lead by example, the Real Men have to lay down their pride and acknowledge their need for a Savior. It is up to us to lead our families to the foot of the Cross. While the world is encouraging us to focus on ourselves, to stand up tall and be proud, Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:3) 

The time to step up and accept your forgiveness is now. You can’t forgive anyone else until you first accept your forgiveness. What are you waiting for? God came not to condemn the world, but to save it. It’s time to start acting like you believe it. 

If Jesus died for us, the least we can do is live for Him.