Devotional: Inherited Condemnation: John 3:16-21

“‘He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God’” (Jn. 3:18, NASB),

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (Jn. 3:18, KJV).

Sickle Cell Anemia is an inherited disease caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body attached to red blood cells. When the hemoglobin is mutated the red blood cells take on a sickle shape unable to transport oxygen to the body. It is characterized by intense pain and can end in death. Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited disease in which both parents are carriers of the sickle cell traits.

Sin is an inherited condition that separates us from God. All people are carriers of this trait. Since both parents are carriers of the disease, their children are also born with the disease. Sin is an incurable disease, but it is treatable and the medication that is prescribed for the disease is effective. Those that receive the treatment are able to stay alive until the day when the disease is totally eradicated.

The initial treatments for sin included sacrifices, circumcision, and the Law. These treatments do not remove sin from our life. All people continue to be separated from God, and the need for these treatments prove that the disease still alive in us. Since these treatments do not save us, God sends his Son to redeem us from our sins so that we are reconciled to God. We are being cured, that is, we are being saved. When Jesus returns, those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb will be transformed. Once transformed the old self passes away and the new self begins. Those transformed do not have the sin trait or sin disease.

When Jesus comes into the world, He comes to save us from sin. He does not come to condemn us because that is not necessary, and it is not His purpose for dying on the cross. All people have inherited condemnation. Jesus comes to save us from the condemnation that we live with. Salvation is available. It is available to those that believe in the name of the Son of God. Those that do not believe continue to live with an inherited condemnation.

Prayer: Lord God, we are thankful that Jesus died that we may be free of the inherited condemnation of sin. Amen.