Read John 12:47-50

Our modern culture seems to think that having moral convictions and knowing who you are and what you believe is inherently judgmental. The idea of judging or being judged has become a hotpoint in a caldron of confusion. If we were to subscribe to this mindset, then absolutely everything is allowed and even encouraged, except of course having moral convictions and knowing who you are and what you believe.

In His discourse with these crowds and leaders, Jesus addresses this idea of judging and being judged. The truth of His words is essential and often glossed over or even ignored.

“If anyone hears My words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. John 12:47 NIV

There are those who adamantly say, “God is love! He will never send anyone to hell!” Somehow the fact that Jesus died on the cross as a substitutionary atonement for the sins of the whole world is completely dismissed. Is God sending people to hell when He clearly provided a way of salvation and forgiveness for all who would believe and place their faith in Jesus? Jesus is clear, He did not come to judge the world but to provide salvation for the world. Those who experience judgment do so because they reject this sacrifice and turn away from Christ. This is never God’s desire.

There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. John 12:48 NIV

Once again, Jesus returns to the truth that He has not devised His own new religion but rather He is fulfilling the mission He was given by God the Father, the God who spoke in Genesis 1. From before the foundations of the earth, the triune God intended that Jesus come and intercede into human history in order to bring reconciliation between God and humanity. The God who created frail mankind intends to live eternally with His creation.

For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” John 12:49-50 NIV

Questions to consider:
As we have now come to the end of John 12, it is important to answer the question: “Do I believe in Jesus, and have I placed my faith and trust in Him?” Jesus wants us to answer this question for our own hearts.

If you or I were to die today, are we prepared to meet God? Will we experience judgment because of the choices we have made, or will we graduate into eternal life because of our faith in Jesus?

Ask God today to help you be certain of your faith in Jesus and your future of eternal life together with Him.