He declares to be this: “This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Men love sin, pleasure, their own will and way; men love darkness rather than light; and they prefer the way of the world, and their own cup of delight in sin, to the love of God, to the light of God, to the Son whom God hath sent, Jesus the Lord. But few do even regard disbelief in Christ as a sin at all; to most the sin which shall condemn forever — for all other sins may be forgiven — is but an idea, an opinion, a creed!
God’s purpose in sending His Son into the world is not to condemn, but to save. None are condemned who believe on Him. All are condemned already who do not believe on Him.
The condemnation is this: man loves sin rather than Christ who died to save.
How is it with our reader? We draw herewith a line, and write on either side thereof the description God in His word gives of men, whom He has divided into two classes —
NOT CONDEMNED. | CONDEMNED ALREADY.
On which side of the line are you?
Do you say, “Not condemned”? Then the reason is this, you believe on the Name of Jesus who died for you who took your place, and was judged in your stead. To Him be everlasting praise and blessing.
Do you say, “Condemned already”? The reason is this, you do not believe on Jesus — you say you can afford to live without Him who died to save. God give you to see your sins, your hardness of heart, and to repent, lest everlasting condemnation be your portion.