He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. John 3:18 WEB
Scripture makes clear that all of mankind sins. As King David wrote in Psalm 53:2-3, “God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God. Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one. WEB” Or as Paul wrote in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. WEB”
And yet, rather than judge us guilty as sinners, the Son of God came from the kingdom of heaven to pay the price for our sins. The gospel of John records a stark assertion. There is only one path to salvation and that is Jesus Christ. Those who accept him as Lord and Savior find salvation and those who reject him remain condemned. As Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. WEB”
The Will of My Father
We read of Jesus in Acts 4:12, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved! WEB” Salvation only comes through faith in Christ but what constitutes faith? The gospel of John teaches that our faith is directly demonstrated by our obedience. We read in John 3:36, “One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. WEB”
As Jesus said in Matthew 7:12-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’ WEB” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, clearly taught that salvation comes to those who turn away from sin and follow God’s will.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your patience and grace. Thank you for my salvation in Christ. Guide me by the wisdom of your Holy Spirit. Help me to live my life in your service. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Elders in Every City
