“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” (John 3:16). “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32)?
Just about everyone is familiar with or has heard of John 3:16. It says that God so love the world that he gave his only begotten to save us. And even though God so loved the world, the “everlasting life” spoken of here is “conditional,” which means that in order for us to receive this “everlasting life,” we have to do something. Receiving this “everlasting life” is contingent upon us “believing in his only begotten son.” According to this passage, if we “just believe in this only begotten son,” then we will not perish but will receive this “everlasting life.” Though it appears that God has freely given us all of these things, nothing in the verses suggest that receiving this “everlasting life” is automatic, but conditional.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).
While God is extremely patient with us, not wanting or desiring that anyone of us to perish, he has once again made our salvation “conditional,” meaning the in order for us to receive this “salvation,” we again have to do something. Receiving this “salvation” is contingent upon us “coming to repentance.”
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).
Everyone is given the power to become a son or daughter of God, but again becoming “a child of God” is conditional. Everyone who “receives his only begotten son” and who “believes on his name” is freely given or receives the right to become a child of the Almighty God. This means that unless the conditions set forth by God are met, then “no one receives that power to become a child of God.” You see, everyone is “a creation of God,” but not everyone is “a child of God.” In order “to receive” what God has freely given us all, which includes “salvation, everlasting life, and the power to become a child of God,” we each have “to actively” meet the conditions that God has set. Make the choice to “actively receive” all the God has to offer and all that he has freely given because nothing is automatic; everything is conditional, conditional upon you doing something.
As always, we pray that today’s inspirational message will abundantly bless you, greatly inform you, and that you will be the better for having read it. If blessed by this message, please share so that others may be blessed as well. Amen.
Enjoy your blessings - KW
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