John 3:16-17, New Living Translation

“For this is how God love the world: He gave his one, and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him, would not perish, but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

The Lord, our God is not partial to anyone. He gave His life fully to everyone who would be willing to reach out and accept it. The well-known verse in John 3:16-17 (NLT) says this: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one, and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

It seems that there are so many people blinded by the father of lies, that they would rather blame, and hate our Lord, rather than receive what He fully paid for them.

Just a few chapters over in John 8:42-44 (NLT) Jesus told them “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t hear me! You are children of your father, the devil, and love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

I don’t share this with a heart of judgment or condemnation. I share this with a heart of love. Jesus tells us the two greatest commandments are these: “And you must love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ no other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31, NLT) If I truly love my Lord, and I truly love my neighbor (you) then I must share this!

I was once a daughter of the father of lies. I lived my life as a pleasure because I thought I knew better. The truth is, I didn’t. There’s only one name by which you can be truly free. There is only one name that you can receive salvation. There’s only one name that we can find what we desire and have our needs met. His name is Jesus Christ, the living Son of God, who reigns forever more!

There’s a phrase I have heard my pastor say before. The enemy steals to conceal, but God reveals to heal. Our enemy will do whatever he can to keep you from following Jesus. Why? Because he knows who the Son sets free is free indeed. Because he knows that your salvation is eternal. Because he knows that the Lord our God, His love for you, or I will never change! Because he knows the authority you and I have in Christ and the power (the Holy Spirit) that lives inside of us when we receive Christ as our Savior. He knows what God wants to do through you, and the great things he will accomplish for you and through you! He wants to take you down. Because when he does that, then, in his mind, he has defeated God. But, if you read the end of the Bible, you see that God wins! No one can overcome God, or His love, or His grace, or His forgiveness or His salvation! It is by the grace of God that we are saved. It is by the grace of God that we are forgiven. It is by the grace of God that fulfills the longing of love that we desire. The devil can only offer empty lies that lead to shame, guilt and regret. But God offers you eternal salvation that lasts forever. That salvation is joy, love and peace.

If you are struggling with your walk with Christ, please consider what you have read here today. Jesus Christ died to redeem you. He bought you for a high price to be saved. He calls you and knows you by name. He knows the good things He has for you. “As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” (Romans 10:11, NLT)