“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.”
(John 3:17)
John 3:17 shows us that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world as there was no need for that; the world was already condemned to death well before the Son of God came into it. Rather, God sent Jesus into the world so that He might save His own from that death which they were already condemned to – eternal death, everlasting burnings, the most terrible tragedy that could possibly be thought of. This is what Jesus saves us from.
In a fallen world filled with conditions and clauses, the promises of God’s covenant as received by mankind present yet another condition, one that stands paramount above all. Henry Hammond said, “this condition as the foundation for our salvation: ‘As many as received him, to them he gave power…’ (John 1:12). It is this act of truly receiving Christ that becomes the key to unlocking the promise of eternal life.”[1]
But what does it mean to truly believe in and “receive” Christ? Is it a mere mental acceptance that acknowledges His existence, assenting to the historical accounts of this Christ walking the same earth we walk over 2000 years ago, and affirming that He now lives in heaven with God? Is that enough… or does biblical faith demand more?
Authentic faith in Christ is not merely a belief of the mind. It is rather a transformative conviction of the heart, leading to repentance and a life of obedience. As stressed in the Gospel of Mark, “He that believeth not, shall be damned,” (Mark 16:16), it is clear that the act of believing goes well beyond intellectual assent. True faith embraces and embodies the teachings of Christ and exhibits a life-long devotion to God, a sincerity of purpose, and a conviction toward holiness that is soundly rooted in God’s Word.
“To him that overcomes will I give,” states Christ in Revelation 2:7, suggesting the requirement of the redeemed to overcome worldly temptations and challenges. The Apostle Paul paints this picture beautifully in 2 Timothy 4:7 when he says, “I have fought a good fight…henceforth there is laid up for me a crown.” This crown is not merely a reward, but the evidence of a life lived by faith and perseverance in the pursuit of holiness.
Such considerations remind us of the unequivocal condition of true faith. It isn’t merely about acknowledging Christ but about submitting without reservation to Him in order that He might transform every facet of our lives. In walking this path of the Christian life, one thing remains clear: the unwavering condition of salvation demands an unwavering faith.
Contemplations:
- The Nature of True Belief: I often find myself pondering the depths of my own belief. Do I merely nod in acknowledgment, or is my heart genuinely moved with the teachings of Christ? True belief is not passive. It requires action, commitment, and a life oriented towards God’s commandments. Just as it is written, “To observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” (Matthew 28:20) – my belief must lead to concrete actions and a life that is in line with God’s will.
- Immutable Conditions: Life, as I have come to understand it, presents countless conditions and ever-changing landscapes. Yet, amidst these shifting sands, God’s covenant and its associated condition remain unaltered and steadfast. Reflecting upon Ezekiel 16:60, “And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord,” I am reminded of the eternal nature of God’s promises which remain an unchanging light of hope, urging me to steadfastly hold onto my faith.
- The Sacred Canon: The Bible provides a map for my spiritual walk. But sometimes I forget that its guidance doesn’t end with mere reading. The Gospel’s call to action reminds me to move beyond passive reception. The Great Commission in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” is not just about spreading the word. It also must be lived out in one’s life. Scripture then culminates with the final reckoning: “and he that believeth not, shall be damned.” This forces me to question: am I living a life worthy of my faith?
- Beyond the Now: I often wonder in moments of introspection about the permanence of my walk with Christ. So I’m prompted to continuously evaluate the depth and authenticity of my faith. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Hebrews paints a sobering picture, warning that there remains no other sacrifice for willful sin (Hebrews 10:26). This urges me to constantly renew and strengthen my commitment, lest I find myself being cast away.
A Prayer for Unwavering Faith
O Sovereign and Merciful God, You who from everlasting to everlasting reign in perfect wisdom and righteousness, I bow before You in reverence and awe. You are the God who sent Your Son into the world not to condemn, but to save, for in Your boundless mercy You have provided redemption where there was only judgment. You are the Giver of life, the Fountain of all truth, and the Keeper of Your everlasting covenant. You have declared the way of salvation, not through the works of men, but through faith in Christ alone. O Lord, I praise You for Your steadfast love, for the eternal purposes You have decreed, and for the grace that reaches sinners like me.
Yet, Father, I come with a trembling heart, knowing how prone I am to falter. My lips profess Christ, but how often has my faith wavered under trial? How often have I claimed to believe, yet allowed doubt to settle in the quiet corners of my soul? Forgive me, O Lord, for the weakness of my trust, for the times when I have given mental assent to Your truth but have not walked in full obedience. Forgive me for the moments when I have failed to take up my cross daily, when I have hesitated in my devotion, when I have treated faith as a matter of words rather than of life. Search me, O God, and root out all unbelief. Let me not be one who merely acknowledges Your name while my heart remains untouched, but rather, grant me a faith that is steadfast, immovable, and wholly surrendered to Christ.
I thank You, Lord, that the promise of salvation is sure. I thank You that Your covenant stands firm, unshaken by the frailties of man. Your Word is true, Your Gospel is unchanging, and Your mercy extends to all who believe. Though my faith may falter, You remain faithful. You have declared that those who receive Christ are given the right to be called the children of God, and I stand upon that promise. Thank You for the assurance that true faith is not a mere acknowledgment, but a gift from You—a faith that transforms, that endures, that bears the evidence of holiness in a life consecrated to You.
O Lord, grant me unwavering faith. Let my belief in Christ be more than mere words, but a conviction that moves me to obedience, a love that stirs me to action, a devotion that withstands every trial. Let me not be one who stumbles at the cost of discipleship, but one who perseveres to the end. When temptations arise, strengthen my resolve. When the world entices, fix my heart upon You. When fears assail me, remind me that my hope is in Christ alone. Give me the endurance of those who have fought the good fight and finished the race, that I too may receive the crown laid up for those who are found faithful.
Let me never take lightly the weight of true faith, for You have said that those who believe not shall be condemned. May I walk in the assurance of my salvation, not in presumption, but in the confidence that Christ is my refuge, my righteousness, my salvation. And may my life bear witness to the truth I profess, that others may see and glorify You. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer, I pray. Amen.
Further References for John 3:17:
Luke 19:10; 1 John 4:14; Isa. 49:6; John 17:3
[1] Henry Hammond, The Works of the Reverend and Learned Henry Hammond (London: T. Newcomb and M. Flesher, for Richard Royston … and Richard Davis, 1684) 571.
