Friends,
I’m glad you are taking the time to read this letter. I’m sure most people reading this is familiar with the scripture verse from the Bible, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That is John 3:16.
Do you know what that verse means? It means that God does indeed love the world. The Son was sent instead of a wrathful disaster, such as a flood, fire from the heavens, and so fourth. During old testament times,God would "save" the good or chosen few from his wrath. For some reason (I would bet it being love) he decided to send Jesus into the world to save the worthy. God, leaving "free will" to man, He sent Jesus with the message of salvation. Those that believe are saved. Those that do not believe, their hearts are hardened further.
John 3:16 says "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish".
This means that if you believe Jesus, you should do as he says. In the verses of John, before #16 Jesus tells how to be saved and later in the chapter John says more about it too.
Here is free will again,
He said "should not perish", not "would not perish".
If you follow through with Jesus’ instruction, you “should” not perish. Some believed, but would not follow His instructions, such as the wealthy man we read about in Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31 and Luke 18:18-30, Who wanted to know what he needed to do to get into heaven, but would not give up his earthly riches. He believed Jesus, but did not do as he was instructed. The man had violated the 1st of the 10 Commandments, by putting his wealth before God, making his wealth an idol above God. Do you think he perished or was saved?
It is a lot to think about, but I hope this letter will plant the seed of God's word in your heart and that it grows. |
