John 3:36

God’s salvation is both totally inclusive and totally exclusive! It is totally inclusive in the sense that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, every single person. All are included from every tribe and nation, from every economic level, from the most righteous to the worst of sinners. The invitation to salvation from sin is open to all, but it is not automatically applied to all. Salvation is totally exclusive in the sense that it only applies to those who “believe in the Son!” God’s gracious gift of salvation can not only be accepted, but it can also be rejected. People reject it when they deny that they are sinners in need of salvation. People reject it when they choose to believe they can earn it through their “good works.” People reject it when they turn to false religions that deny the person and work of Jesus. In these cases, God’s wrath remains on them!

PASSAGE: John 3:36 - "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him."

PAUSE: What a wonderful promise! Around 100x in the Gospel of John, the sole condition for salvation is the word “believe.” The question we must all answer is whether we are part of the “whoever’s?” Salvation is free, but it is conditional. It requires that we each place our faith in Christ as our Savior.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the wonderful promise of eternal life. Open doors for me to share Your promise with those who don’t know You.