John 3:17 AMP
[17] For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.
At the time of creation, there was no sin. Man was made in the image and likeness of God, and created for fellowship with God. The breath of God was put in man, who became a living soul, and was put in charge of all that God had created. That was awesome position to be put in, and it is not a wonder that the focus of the devil was to promote a lie about what God had done and given, so that man could be distracted. Man was sold a lie about what God had already guaranteed, and man gave up all that he was meant to be, in order to pursue something he could never really get. That is the modus operandi of the devil: lie, cheat and deceive.
Thank God the story did not end with man's fall, otherwise we would have no hope. This is where God and His Omniscience need to be studied and worshipped. At the very place of man's sin was the place of God's mercy. God did not allow the devil claim a spiritual victory over man; as soon as man fell in the Garden of Eden, God laid down a plan of salvation and redemption, stripping the devil of whatever he thought he gained, and giving man a way out of sin. That gift of God was not given as a bribe, and it is not an automated application, where you get to enjoy the gains and benefits of the gift without anything from you. This is where faith comes in.
The gift is given, but it must be personally appropriated. You do not get it by scientific processes of osmosis or diffusion; you take hold of it by total surrender of your life to the same God who made, formed, empowered and planted you where you are. The gift was not given to judge and condemn the world as the first point, but to point men's attention to the benefits and blessings that are available in the gift. By this gift, our past is washed away and we are made whole and clean. By this gift, we receive grace, strength and help for whatever this life wants to throw at us. By this gift, we are able to focus on the eternal, whilst working our way through the earthly.
However, it must be noted that the judgement of the world will still happen by this same gift at the end of this earthly phase. We have now to make up our minds what we want to do with the gift that has been given. God wants the salvation of the entire human race, because His love does not see the eternal loss of anyone. As we know, He will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of our freewill. He offers salvation, full and free, and invites us all to take hold of Him and receive life. A time comes when the gift will be withdrawn, and all that will be left will be regrets and doom. Today is the day of decision: which end would you prefer: life eternal with God, or eternal damnation away from God? God's time of favour is here.
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