And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. John 12:47 NABRE
Jesus repeats much of what He has said previously, summarizing key thoughts in His public ministry. He is speaking about belief. Believing in Jesus is not only belief in Him but belief in the one who sent Him. Believing keeps us out of the dark, shining light on us always. Then Jesus makes this incredible statement about not condemning those who hear His words but do not observe them. Freedom is an important aspect in the spiritual life. God created the world in freedom and allows freedom through every aspect of life. We tend to have the idea of a God who punishes us if we do not do what God desires. God could have created us in such a way as our freedom is curtained in order that we may be more automatically obedient and particularly as a follower of God. Jesus has come into the world so we may see what it means to be saved from all the things that would separate us from God. Jesus lives a life of doing the will of the Father, and wants us to follow His example. Salvation from Jesus is not primarily meant to be from the cross but by observing every aspect of Jesus’ life. Freedom and salivation come when we do the will of the Father, which is our best path to live a full and joy filled life.
Our freedom is important to God and the choices we make important to God. Our choices allow us to follow or live as we feel is best for us personally. But as Jesus says He comes to save us from all the wrong choices, and to use our freedom to be devoted followers, who desire to live like Him. Through our trust in following Jesus we are led to where we truly desire to go, to go to our first home.
How do you use your freedom? What choices can you make to be saved in life?
Jesus comes to save us from all the wrong choices, and to use our freedom to be devoted followers, who desire to live like Him. Through our trust in following Jesus we are led to where we truly desire to go, to go to our first home. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #free #save #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways