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In our message on yesterday, we talked about the fact that there would be some people
who condemn themselves to eternal punishment in Hell because they refuse to believe in
Jesus Christ for salvation. One question that Nicodemus probably had in his mind as he
was talking to Jesus is: If being born again is as simple as Jesus says it is, if God has
done everything to facilitate our salvation, why would anyone reject that gift? Why would
anyone condemn themselves?
Jesus provides the answer in verse 19. He says, "And this is the condemnation, that light
is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds
were evil." The only reason why people reject God and salvation through Jesus Christ is
because they love darkness more than light. They love the evil deeds that they are
engaged in so much that they will put themselves at risk of eternal damnation.
The word "men" in this verse refers to all humanity, not just those who have been
condemned. At some point, all of us have loved darkness and sin. In fact, it is in our flesh
(our very nature) to love darkness rather than light. This love of darkness is shown
through the evil deeds that we do. It is this love of darkness and evil works that causes
us to reject the light of Christ, and thus sentence ourselves to eternal punishment in Hell.
Of course, some will say they don't believe in Hell or in eternal punishment so they can
live the way they want to live. Some will say there is no such thing as right and wrong so
they don't have to abide by any type of moral code. The opinions of such people betray
what they know to be true. Say a man does not believe in right and wrong. Let his wallet
be stolen, and then ask him if he believes in right and wrong. Ask a man who does not
believe in punishment for sin if the hacker who stole his identity and ruined his
reputation should be punished for his crime. The only reason why people say such
things is because they love doing their evil deeds, they love their darkness, and they
don't want anybody -- not even God -- to stop them.
Now, you might say, 'I'm not a very bad sinner. I haven't murdered anyone, I haven't
stolen anything, I haven't committed adultery. Surely, that reference to "evil deeds"
doesn't apply to me.' Let's say, perhaps, that you have not done any of those things; you
still have a very big problem. Have you submitted your life to the will of God? Or are you
still doing things your way? If so, even that is sin. David Guzik said, "When we think of
the love of sin that sends people to hell, we often think of notorious sin. But the simple
demand to be lord of my own life is enough of a sin to deserve condemnation before
God." All you have to do to condemn yourself to Hell is say, 'God, I'm going to do it my
way.'
Regarding those who love darkness rather than light, Dr. John Walvoord and Dr. Roy B.
Zuck state, Just as natural light shows up what is otherwise unseen, so Christ the Light
exposes people's deeds as evil. (The word translated evil here is phaula, meaning
worthless.) Unbelievers have no ultimate meaning of life, no worthy motivation, no
adequate goal, and a destiny of doom. Yet everyone who does evil hates the light (as well
as loves darkness). He fears that if he comes to the light his deeds will be seen as
worthless, and he would need to turn from them.
If we are honest with ourselves, I believe we will each admit that we are not as good as
we ought to be or as we could be. Some will try to shrug off this admission and say it
doesn't matter. Others, like Nicodemus, will commit themselves to a lifetime of doing
good and abiding by some kind of legal or moral code. However, even that is not enough
in Gods eyes. The Bible says all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in Gods sight.
Think for a moment about some of the most righteous people you can imagine, people
who have spent their lives doing good -- Billy Graham, Pope Francis, Mother Teresa, the
Dalai Lama. Surely, these people can get into Heaven because of their good works. But,
no. Their righteousness is filthy in Gods sight.
In order to avoid condemnation and eternal punishment in Hell, one must admit that he
cannot save himself -- that he needs a Savior. And God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ,
into the world to be that Savior.
If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, here is what you need to do to
believe in Him.
First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken Gods law. The Bible
says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23:
"For the wages of sin is death
Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28:
"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear
him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Also, the Bible states in
Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,
and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the
lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Now that is bad news, but heres the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: "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." Just believe in your heart that Jesus
Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for
you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart
today, and He will.
Romans 10:9 & 13 says, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and
shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose
from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your salvation today, please pray with me
this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some
bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For
Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus
Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I
choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my
heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.
If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it
from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved
from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! I want to
congratulate you on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus
Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your
newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read "What To Do After You
Enter Through the Door". Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any
man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior today, please e-mail me at
gls@gospellightsociety.com and let us know. There is some free material that we want to
send you. If you have a prayer request, please e-mail that to us as well, and we will pray
for you until you tell us to stop.
God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.