“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
As a believer when you read this verse, what comes to mind? Do you think of God’s great love for you? Do you think of Jesus on the cross dying for your sins? Do you think of the glory of eternal life with Him? For believers, this verse fills us with gratitude and hope. We are grateful God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. We anxiously wait for the time when we can spend an eternity with Him in Heaven.
What does this verse mean for an unbeliever? It means death, destruction, and hopelessness. It means a life lived forever separate from our loving Father and creator. How does the verse make you feel now?
As believers, we often get so caught up in our own salvation and glorious future that we fail to consider the future of unbelievers. The reason Jesus is waiting to come back again and bring us to Himself is because He is waiting until all have had the chance to turn to Him and believe. He doesn’t want anyone to suffer eternal separation from God. 2 Peter 3:9 says it this way, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Are you ready for your eternal home with God? Then help others come to know Him as well. It’s time to get serious about sharing our faith with others so that no one will perish, but everyone can come to repentance and share in the hope we have in Christ.