Romans 1 reminded me of verses 18-36 of John 3, but particularly John 3:36. In John, we are warned that if we do not obey Jesus we will remain in the wrath of God.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
John 3:36 ESV
The most common argument I have heard is “but what about those who have never heard of the gospel or of Jesus, or never read the Bible?” Enter Romans 1:18-32.
18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 since what can be known[a] about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. 21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.
24 Therefore God delivered them over in the desires of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.
Romans 1:18-25 CSB
What does John 3:36 teach me about right priorities?
In Romans 1 we learn that our knowledge of God doesn’t begin when we read His Word. God makes Himself known to all mankind, His creation, and draws us to Himself, to His Word. God draws us to His Truth, His Son. Just because you have not read the gospel does not mean you have not had the opportunity to know and believe in the Son.
God has called every one of us to come to Him. Jesus goes on to explain this in the book of John, saying that “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” God calls on every one of us to come to Him, whether we acknowledge Him, honor Him, worship Him, serve Him, believe in Him or not. We are all given the opportunity to believe in the Son.
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
John 6:44 ESV
Why did God send His Son?
As we all strive to find and create balance in our lives, we should reflect on Christ and what He came, lived, died, rose again, and ascended for.
God sent His Son to save you from the penalty of your sin so that you could be in a relationship with Him. He sent His Son so that we could choose eternal life rather than eternal separation from God as we all deserve.
He sent His Son to save us, to create the balance only He can create. Not balance as we define it, but balance the way only He can create it. Come to God and find peace, rest, strength, love, and grace. Lean into God and find all that your heart truly longs for and more. Surrender to your Heavenly Father who wants to care for you as His child. Seek God who has made the unthinkable sacrifice so that you could come to Him. Come to God in faith, believing in His Son whom He sent for you.
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