Not Condemnation, But Rather Salvation!!!

It has been on my mind for a few months now to get back into blogging. When I first started blogging I posted poems and short stories that I thought people would enjoy but my life has taken a new direction that requires me to do more than share what I think is beautiful, funny and or thought provoking.

I have been given a great commission. 

I'm sure at some point people who knew me when I was in school or in College or even after, when I entered the world of work may find it difficult to reconcile who you knew and the person now typing but that's okay.

Today I am proud to declare that I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. I am saved. Born again. I am a Christian. I go to church every chance I get. 
I'm not here to tell you my story in this post but to talk about two scriptures in particular that are so important for non-believers to know about. I had never heard them before accepting salvation but after hearing them I was shocked at how simple the truth became to me. 

Most of us who grew up in Barbados and have gone through the public school system and or Sunday school know John 3:16 and can recite it without hesitation, stutter or pause. 

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.

These are the words that for many people, have little impact. I have met people who can easily recite them but for them the novelty has fully worn off, in a manner of speaking. It hasn't much impact. But they do not know what follows it.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved

 This is what it's all about. Christ was not sent to condemn the world. By telling you what God deems acceptable, I am not condemning you nor seeking to do so but rather trying to save you from condemnation. The parent of a child who steals would obviously tell that child not to continue on that path which will lead to their destruction. God has done the same for us. He went a step further and pre-paid the price for us.

In talking to people who refuse Christ I have heard many views but there is one that stuck with me. One that contradicted the love of God and particularly went against the love any parent would exhibit. She said that she does not believe that a God who loves us would not want us to do the things we enjoy and that make us feel good and go even further to punish us for it. Really? Is that so?

If you parented a serial killer or an arsonist would you be content to let your child do what they feel good doing? Should a parent allow a child to throw stones whenever they find them because they enjoy it? We would call this silly and irresponsible parenting.

When parents tell their children not to hit and not to fight and not to talk to strangers are they not protecting them? Children do not know what is best for them and they need adults and caretakers to make sure that they know right from wrong, understand that actions have consequences and learn to be responsible. It's not that we don't want our children to enjoy themselves or that we want to condemn them. It's to save them from being condemned later for the same actions. The fact is, just because it feels good or enjoyable to do, doesn't mean that it's a good thing.

God has said in his word that a day of judgement is coming. He made us and we disobey his rules so there will be a price to pay IF we don't accept the way out he provided.

That lady that I spoke to did not believe at all in Christ. But there are others out there who do believe. This brings me to the second scripture that's so important to understand.

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

So many of us have believed that Christ died for the sins of the world and that he is the way to salvation but don't want to receive salvation just yet. 

I don't know about you but I have no idea when I will die. I just know that whenever it is, I want to be certain of where I'll end up. Are you?

God told us what he deems acceptable and what he doesn't. He told his disciples to go out and tell all nations of what he has commanded. When I say that fornication is a sin but if you accept Christ  he will wash you of your sins and help you to sin no more, I am not condemning you but trying to make sure you are not condemned.

Recently I've seen a lot of people including Christians saying they are not judging, they are showing love to sinners and accepting them as they are. Allowing them to live their lives as they see fit. Is that really showing love when you know where they will end up without repentance?

In John 8:7 Christ said:

He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone at her.

Many take this as license to not tell a person that what the are doing is wrong. but look further at verses 10 and 11:

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her,Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

 Now this woman knew that she was doing wrong and what could happen because of it. When Christ saved her he didn't say "That was a close one. As your were. Carry on."
He said "go, and sin no more."

How can a person accept salvation if they think they are already righteous. It is our duty to let people know of what God has said. Is a parent considered and evil accuser when they correct a child who has lied and tell them it's wrong to do so? Is a teacher? Of course not. What about those of us who show people where in the word of God it says that they should not tell lies?

Forgive wrong doings and help people to avoid repeating them. Go and sin no more.

Tell people you understand and accept their sin. Go and continue sinning

To Be Continued...