ARTICLE: CONDEMNED ALREADY?

Anchor passage:  John. 3:17-18       

       Most of us have a good knowledge of our fundamental civic rights. We carry them with so much dignity and faithfulness even when they might bring harm rather than good. That can be true of spiritual matters as well. For example, exercising the "right" to reject God's plan of salvation  leaves a person in a condemned condition.

        So many people when preached to are of the opinion that God, being so merciful and gracious will never condemn them to hell. You see, it is true that the Lord doesn't condemn people to hell. He allows them to opt for that eternal destination themselves. Jesus said in the book of Luke that narrow is the way that leads to heaven and broad is the way that leads to eternal life. He advices us to follow the narrow way. One thing that Jesus will never do, despite how powerful He is is to compel you to make a choice. Everybody has a right to choose.

         God says that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have been judged already (v. 18). In other words, by rejecting--or politely ignoring--their need for a Savior, unbelievers have chosen to remain unsaved and unforgiven. This is a terrible fate that some people have chosen for themselves.  Scripture teaches that there will one day be a judgment, but God has already determined that those who trust in Christ will stand with Him while the rest will be sent away (Matt. 25:34-46).

         An unrepentant man or woman is not condemned by God but, rather, has chosen to remain in the company of all those condemned by their own free will.

God desires that everyone come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9). To that end, He has granted each person the right to decide whether or not to follow in obedience. However, those who reject the Savior are forewarned that they have settled for condemnation.

If you don't have a relationship with Jesus, click HERE  to begin