SEEING LIFE

Larry R. Scott

The verse chosen for our study is: John 3:36, which states, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” The earlier verses in the immediate context point to Nicodemus and his search for truth. Jesus has explained to him the necessity of the “new birth” with an emphasis on being “born of the water and the Spirit.” Jesus makes Nicodemus fully aware of things that he already knows, because of his previous relationship with God and His word. He then begins building on the faith of Nicodemus and guides him toward a fuller acceptance of who He is, the “only begotten Son” of God.

Jesus places a necessary emphasis upon eternal life and eternal separation from God. He brings Old Testament happenings together to show how He, Himself, must be lifted up in order to draw all men to Him. Nicodemus, as well as we today, must be willing to have a belief in the person of Jesus Christ, which will result in obedience to His teachings. This belief is based upon things that were not only prophesied but were also evidenced by things which Nicodemus actually saw. As a result of our reading and hearing God’s word today, we have made a rational acceptance of that truth. We are then willing to act upon that belief, putting it into everyday practice.

Belief and disbelief are contrasted by light and darkness. Obedience and disobedience are contrasted in our acceptance or rejection of Him as God’s Son. There continues to be a very strong recognition of the importance of the “witness” concerning the Son. John, the baptizer, has prepared the way of the coming of the Savior. He has been preparing the hearts of the people, so they will hear and obey. He has borne witness to the truthfulness of the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the coming of the Messiah. The purpose of John is about to reach completion. Jesus will begin to build on that work, which ultimately will culminate in His own death for mankind. Some accepted John’s message and “witness”. Others rejected it. Just as some received Jesus then, so they are receptive to the Gospel message today. Others choose to follow the path that leads to the wrath of God.

To be a partaker of the life to come, which God has prepared for those who love Him, we must seek spiritual life now. Everlasting life can be ours if we will obey Christ and become His follower. Attaining spiritual life is how we become a part of the Kingdom, the church, today. Those who refuse Christ have made themselves unworthy of the life to come. They have judged themselves to be void of the promises of God. As such, they will be among those who will incur the undiluted wrath of a just God. We who are obedient, and remain faithful, will be spared His justice and receive His complete mercy. Let us strive to be among those who would “see life”. Let us never be found among the many who have judged themselves "unworthy of eternal life.” (Acts 13:46)