Believe!

Believe!

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36 KJV

It must be noted that today's extract flows from the discussion Jesus had with Nicodemus, that teacher of the law. He knew the letters of the law, but he lacked knowledge about the spirit of the law, which simply pointed men back to Christ. It is never about men's qualifications or achievements, but a heart that first recognises its lack and seeks out True Knowledge, which is found only in Christ. 

In that light, the message of today's extract makes sense. The invitation is for every man, woman, boy or girl who would make the approach. And it goes beyond hearing and loving what you read or hear, but about believing in the Son of God. It is so important to emphasise this: if it was about good works, so many people will qualify. If it was about account balances, so many people will try to buy their way into eternal life. Thank God that nothing down here can take you into eternal life except your faith in the Son of God. 

It is faith that activates the seal of eternal life. Oh, the basis of your faith will show in your works. There is quite little about your life's choices that you can hide, because your outer life is proof of your faith system. Is the Son your basis, or are there other 'viable' options? Time will reveal all other priorities that took your time away; unfortunately, you may not have time to make necessary changes if you die without the Son.

And this is the message of the latter part of today's extract. As pointed out earlier, as soon as faith in Christ is sealed, everlasting life is also sealed. Death can no longer hurt me, because life in Christ secures me away from the grasp and power of death. The opposite is also true: rejection of the Son means the acceptance of the death penalty, which is the natural consequence of our sin. If I turn my back on God, can I turn around and blame Him for the consequences of my decision? 

The wrath of God against sin has been documented in the Bible extensively. God leaves us in no doubt what he views as sin and how He intends to carry out punishment. He also provides a way of escape; just one. Not two, but just one. There aren't so many ways to the God who calls Himself Lord and Master. Jesus is called the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is THE, not one of many. You want to escape the coming wrath? Make the approach to the Son today. Have Him, you have life. You lack Him, you lack life. It is as simple as that. His time of favour is here.