The Gift of Grace

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. For GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of GOD. And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:16-19)

The well known gospel verse gives us much hope in this world for it reminds us of GOD's love for the unlovable.  But it also warns us that those that do not receive His gift of grace are condemned, in fact they are condemned already and by rejecting GOD simply remain in their unconverted unregenerated sinful state worthy of death.  It is not a easy warning to hear, but it is necessary to hear and heed it as it bears witness not only to our sinful state without Christ, but also to GOD's remedy for sIn.  Our sIn that put Christ on that Cross.  Our sIn that makes us worhy of death.  Our sIn that separates us from a righteous and Holy GOD.  Our sIn that only He could pay for, and only when we believe and receive Him can we be saved from our sIn.

I urge you as we draw rapidly to the close of this year to make this the time that GOD gives you, not only a new year, but a new life in Christ that brings you into His family, His presence, and His service.  Not a new leaf, not a new resolution, but a new creature by the power of GOD.

If you have experienced that new birth, share it with others today.

In Christ,
Jefferson A. Sweet