Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

John 3:17-18 — Be An Ambassador

July 16, 2023 • Aneel Aranha • Season 2 • Episode 23

0:00 | 3:41

If we believe in the Gospel message of salvation, we are duty-bound to be ambassadors of Christ so that the world is saved and not condemned.

John 3:17-18 — Be An Ambassador — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel with Aneel Aranha. Today we will reflect on John 3:17-18. Listen.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

We all know John 3:16, which says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." In our enthusiasm for John 3:16, we often ignore the following two verses but they are equally important , so let's examine them carefully.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it. And he sacrificed his life to make that possible. Those who believe this —and respond correctly— are not condemned, so what happens to those who don't? The answer might not be palatable to many, but there's no beating around the bush about this; they are not! Which puts the eternal fate of billions of people in the world in jeopardy.

Consequently, our role takes on great significance because we are called to be ambassadors of the Gospel, sharing the message of God's love, grace, and salvation with those around us. How do we do this?

First, we need to deepen our own personal relationship with Jesus. This involves cultivating a vibrant faith through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we grow closer to Christ, our lives will automatically begin to bear witness to his love and truth.

Secondly, we must embody the love and compassion of Jesus in our interactions with others. This means extending grace, forgiveness, and mercy to those around us, just as Christ has shown us. Our actions should reflect the character of Christ, demonstrating his love and kindness to a world that desperately needs it.

Thirdly, we are called to actively share the Gospel with others. This involves boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus and inviting others to experience the life-changing power of faith in him. We can do this through our words, by sharing our testimonies, and by demonstrating the love of Christ through acts of service and compassion.

We must remember that our role is not to condemn or judge others but to point them to the hope and salvation found in Jesus. We must communicate with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to understand others' perspectives. By doing so, we create opportunities for dialogue and make a safe space for people to explore the claims of Christ.

God bless you as you fulfill your role as ambassadors of Christ.