"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." John 3:18 ESV
In John, chapter 3, we find Nicodemus coming to Jesus with questions. He has heard Jesus preach and has witnessed, or heard, of the miracles Christ has performed. Jesus explains how man is reborn and how God has sent his only Son to save those who believe. God did not send Jesus out of judgment but out of his love, that man would have the hope of salvation. He explained all of this so that Nicodemus might have answers to the questions he sought. He desired, Nicodemus, to be able to make an informed decision. Once he had the information he had to make a decision. Would he or wouldn't he follow Christ? Nicodemus did, he later comes with Joseph of Arimathea to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
We are offered the same choice today. Will, we or won't we believe? God loves us and wants us all to believe in him, but it is a choice. It must be of our own free will. God does not force anyone into an involuntary relationship but wants us to follow him out of our love for him.
Precious God, we thank you for your love for us. You love us so much that you sent your only Son as an atonement for our sin. We also give you thanks for free will. Although your desire is for us to believe in you, you give us the choice. Help us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others that they might make the choice to follow you. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
