John 3:14–17 ‘…that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (v16b)
The best-known verse in the Bible includes, of course, a word that is much contested and which many do not wish to consider. The flipside to eternal life is of course to perish.
Traditionally, this has been understood as ‘going to hell’, seen as an eternal place of pain for those who will not believe. It is also possible to understand this in the sense that a tyre might perish and be no longer fit for purpose.
Those who refuse to believe do not fulfil all that God intends for them and become effectively useless, however much they think they may accomplish. ‘Perish’ might also refer to the end time ‘death’, meaning they cease to exist at all.
However, we understand the word, it is not a good outcome. We may not wish to consider such things, but God is warning us that there are two outcomes. His love was such that He sent His beloved Son so that the better outcome might be ours.
You were made for God and for purpose and can enjoy all that He has for you as you live your time. This saves you from a life that can become so short sighted that it is unable to see the glory that could be enjoyed and the adventure with God by our sides.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Thank You, Lord, that I am not condemned to a useless existence, wondering what my life is about, but can know the joy of eternal life today. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
List the ways in which a day you have spent recently was better because you knew God.
Scripture To Consider:
Isa. 14:12–27; Ezek. 33:10–20; 2 Pet. 2:13–22; Rev. 22:12–21
