The Consequence of Light

John 3:16 has to be the most often quoted verse in the Bible. It’s the foundation of our Christian faith. God so loved us that he gave his only begotten son to pay the price for our sin. A price we could never repay.

If you read verses 16 and 17 only, one may believe that act alone universally saved us all, and nothing is required of us.

That’s not how it works.

As you continue to read you will discover the “consequence” of light coming into the world. Men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. And everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the Light for fear their deeds will be exposed. (verse 20)

Jesus said “I am the Light of the world, he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12), and in Matthew 5:14 He said, “You are the light of the world.”

Those who do evil will hate Jesus, as well as those who truly follow him. Not those who identify as Christian but do not acknowledge, nor submit to His authority. It is those who refuse to cave to culture, acknowledging Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8) who will suffer persecution. But blessed are those because of it. (Matt 5:10)

And there is a difference.

There are many who name the name of Jesus who have never been born again, become a new creation in Christ, and adopted into the family of God. Entering by the broad gate, they have circumvented the cross, unwilling to die to themselves and surrender their will to Him. They are living in a great deception, and will persecute those who walk in the Light as well.

If you are a born again follower of Christ today, you need to take your study of the Word, prayer, and fellowship very seriously. You need a form foundation for the storms that are coming. For those that are already here.

Paul told Timothy the day would come when some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. (1 Ti 4:1)

That time is now.