April 14, 2022 – Thursday
John 3:19-21 NIV
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Comment.
The verses above come after some of the best-known verses in the bible that begin with 3:16 and it continues then to 3:17-18, 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
The above verses provide context for our verses for today and the idea of repentance. Not much has changed from the time of Adam and Eve when they foolishly hid from God in their shame (Genesis 3:8). Jesus’ arrival resulted in something very similar as those involved in sin wanted to remain in the darkness rather than have their sin exposed. The problem is God already knows about their sin and we are dead in our sins unless as Romans 6:23 tells us, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
How do we get out of this mess? John addressed this in 3:16-17 when he wrote that those who believe in Christ will not be condemned. Because of Jesus, we can confess our sins [repent] and walk in Jesus’ light without fear of condemnation. John addresses this later in 1 John 1:9 where he writes, If we confess our sins [repent], he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The NKJV Study Bible adds this reference for v21 where, “comes into the light” is more than exercising faith. A person who comes to the light not only believes, but also openly identifies with the light so that his or her works can be seen as things done in union with God. And the NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible answers the question about why many sinners will refuse to come to the light, Because they love the darkness! They want to persist in their evil deeds, and this keeps them from coming to the light, for the closer sinners get to the light, the more their sins are exposed. “Intellectual problems” don’t keep people from trusting Christ; moral and spiritual blindness keeps them loving the darkness and hating the light.
No one is going to confess their sins and embrace the light of Christ if they love their sins more than they love anything else. To give up their sins is an idea they abhor. Confession comes from a belief and faith in God and His promises of forgiveness. Some cannot believe they would be forgiven for their sins, but Paul puts this fear to rest when he describes himself as the chief of sinners in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. This adds emphasis to the comment above that “Intellectual problems” don’t keep people from trusting Christ; moral and spiritual blindness keeps them loving the darkness and hating the light.
Bottom Line: Believe and confess your sins [repent] to enter the light and receive the Grace of God through His Son Jesus. We have the gift of grace and the only unforgivable sin is to refuse it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your incredible patience and love for us. We are grateful that You should love us so very much. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek