3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
There are two ancient heresies that continue to plague Christian circles today: inclusivism and universalism. Inclusivism is, “the idea that salvation only comes through Jesus’ work but that it is not necessary to hear the gospel in order to be saved.” A universalist is, “someone who believes that every human being whom God has created or will create will finally come to enjoy the everlasting salvation into which Christians enter here and now.” Both proponents of these views appeal to John 3:16 as justification for their perspectives. The argument goes like this: God is a God of love, so how could he condemn anyone to hell? But both these views presuppose that God’s love is incompatible with just condemnation; nor do they take into account the following verses.
Despite the distortions of inclusivism and universalism, the message is unmistakable: Jesus came to save whoever believes in him.
God is a God of justice. His justice is manifested against those who do not believe in him. In other words, those who reject him will receive the wrath of God. Scary? Sure is. Is it fair? Take an employee that violates his contract by not completing his or her work. Maybe its a painter that has not finished painting. The employer has been cheated of a fully painted house. Justice belongs to him. Similarly, God deserves worship, but he is cheated of it. Justice belongs to him. Condemnation is fair punishment, as terrifying as it is.
God is also a God of love. His love is manifested in sending his Son. Who would give up their child for a criminal? God did. And we are the criminals, convicted of rejecting the one who deserves to be worshipped. But despite our rejection of him, by grace he gives faith to the elect. These are people that believe in him and are not condemned.
God is both a God of love and a God of justice. The unfortunate truth is that not everyone will be saved. But it is equally true that no one deserves to be saved. This is why the fact that there is salvation at all is so amazing. And that, my friends, should lead us to repentance and worship.
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