John 3:17

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:17

Jesus is emphasizing that His first coming was not for judgment, but for salvation. He was addressing the Jewish expectation of the Messiah.

In context, He is speaking to Nicodemus. Nicodemus acknowledged Jesus as Rabbi, and in some sense even recognized Him as the Messiah. As a Jewish teacher, he knew the Scriptures spoke of the Messiah coming to judge the world but that refers to the second coming. Because they did not yet have the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they could not fully understand the Scriptures. Even the disciples asked the Lord, “Will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus answered that it was not for them to know the times or seasons the Father has set by His own authority. Instead, He clarified that His primary mission of his first coming and later, the mission they has to follow was not the political restoration of Israel or immediate judgment on the world, but salvation for the world.

This purpose had been declared since the time of His coming

The angel told Mary and Joseph: “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

The angels announced to the shepherds: “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (Luke 2:10).

John the Baptist declared: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Jesus’ first coming was to destroy sin through His death on the cross. He came to give life, to pay the penalty for our sins, to shine light into darkness, to restore what sin had stolen, and to reconcile humanity to the Father. His life and sacrifice declare to heaven and earth the great love of God for His creation.

At the same time, He gives every person the freedom of choice. The reality is that we have all sinned, we are dead in trespasses, and without Christ we are already condemned (Ephesians 2:1–3). Yet Jesus made a way of escape. On the cross He declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The debt of sin was paid, and salvation is now freely offered to all who believe.

This salvation is not limited to one nation or group. It is extended to the whole world. Every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and with Him “there is no partiality” (Romans 2:11).

His invitation is open to all from then to till this day that whoever believes in His Son will receive forgiveness, new life, and reconciliation with God.

Today, you have to make a choice, to believe to Jesus and receive the eternal life, or to reject Him and remain in condemnation.