John 3:17

No Greater Love

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17 ESV)

God the Father loves us so immensely that He sent Jesus to earth so that we could learn from His example of love and forgiveness how to love and forgive ourselves and others and enter into full union with Him in heaven upon our death.  Jesus came and offered the gift of salvation to all.  His love and mercy are so great that He chose to die and rise again so that we who are sinners could hope to enter with Him into eternal glory.  That is truly unfathomable.  God, giving Himself completely for us, for the  healing of our souls, for our eternal joy.  What hope!  What love!  What sacrifice!  There is no greater love.

Bought at a Price

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV)

We were all bought at a very high price - Jesus’ life for the forgiveness of our sins.  Jesus has not only called us but purchased us at the highest price - the price of His blood, His life for our salvation.  We who are unworthy were paid for with the ultimate sacrifice.  He died so that we sinners might have eternal life in unison with Him in heaven.  He opened the doors to eternal joy for us.

Our bodies and our souls are not our own, they are God’s and are on loan to us while we live in this world.  It is our job to take care of our bodies and souls so that when we leave this life we can be united with God forever in heaven.

That is no easy task.  Temptations abound, but the ability to turn back to God is there even to the last billionth of a second before death.  That does not mean a direct entrance into heaven, but that heaven is a possibility for us.  

God’s love and mercy are far greater than our sinfulness.  Jesus died for every sin we would ever commit.  That does not give us free reign to commit sin. Instead, we are called to to be responsible and do our best to avoid sin and change our behaviors so that we do not commit sins habitually.  

We deserve condemnation, but Jesus offered Himself so that we would be delivered from sin.  We do not receive what we deserve rather we receive the greatest gift of all - salvation.  Jesus has redeemed us.

Let us always remember to Whom we belong.  Let us always remember Who has paid the price for us.  Let us always be aware of the depth and breadth of God’s love for us.