No Condemnation

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. - John 3:17

    The coming of our Lord was not to condemn the world; the world was already condemned! “By the offense of Adam judgment came upon all men to condemnation” (Rom. 5:18). Our Lord came into the world that men and women of all nations might be saved. The phrase “might be saved” does not express any uncertainty about the fact of their being saved in Christ; but the word “might” expresses design! He came and died in order that sinners could be saved! His person and work on behalf of sinners enable our Holy God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe. For the believer there is no condemnation because Christ was condemned in our stead. But the unbeliever is condemned already. He enters the world with the curse of sin in him and upon him. When he encounters the mercies, gospel, and grace of God and does not believe, he incurs a new and increased condemnation through unbelief! (Matt. 11:20-24).