Apr
26
Offering a Rescue
Filed Under Devotional
I was told about a conversation between a believer and non-believer regarding the nature of God. At one point, the non-believer said, “I just can’t understand a God that would be so vindictive as to send people to Hell.” I think this underlines a fundamental flaw in how the world sees God and Jesus specifically.
Jesus did not come to tell you what an awful person you are. He did not come to set up a system of rules that are impossible to keep and, so, make you miserable. He did not come to suck the fun out of life. He did not come to judge you. That day will come, but it hasn’t, yet.
“As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.” John 12:47-48
The fact is that Jesus came to save. We live in a time when His offer for salvation is open and we can escape judgement. And, even more than that, He is actively advocating on our behalf.
“but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25
Jesus is not some kind of unforgiving, cold-hearted police state thug ready to whack you on the head when you sin. He is the best advocate ever known. He is pleading your case in front of the perfect judge. He is doing everything He can to save you.
Jesus is offering a rescue, not a condemnation.