John 3:18–21 - He Who Believes in Jesus is Not Condemned

As believers, we are set apart by the undeniable promise of salvation–which comes only through faith in the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ–and the absence of condemnation. This divine assurance is articulated in John 3:18-21, where Jesus proclaimed the power of faith in Him and the unshakable hope it provides for those who walk this path. However, this passage also contrasts the fate of the unbeliever, explaining why they refuse to come to the Light.

Peace with God

Before being born again, we were enemies of God, separated from Him, because of the sinful nature of our flesh. But now, as believers, we are not merely granted peace of mind; we have something far greater—peace with God Himself. This peace is immensely significant because it is only obtained through the redeeming blood of Jesus which reconciles us with God. Moreover, this peace ensures that the wrath of God will pass over us on the Day of Judgment. Our guarantee of this is that we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit until the day that Jesus returns. Thus, in Christ Jesus, there is, now, no condemnation for those who walk according to the Spirit. We will, indeed, stand blameless before God when Christ returns, and this hope is an anchor for our souls.

1 John 4:17-19 speaks of the one who fears, referring to fearing the judgment of God, has not been made perfect in love. Perfect love, which refers to believing that God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to save us from condemnation, casts out this fear. Therefore, we have perpetual peace with God.

1 John 4:17-19 NKJV - Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

God’s Divine Sovereignty in Judgment

While we rejoice in our free gift of salvation, it is paramount to understand that our role is not to pass judgment on the world. Instead, we are reminded of God's sovereignty in determining the destiny of individuals. As Romans 9:15-16 eloquently states:

"For He says to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.' So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy."

As God grants us the ability to understand His sovereignty, we are to always be grateful for our election, which is a free gift that comes only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not of ourselves; therefore, we can never boast in our own righteousness.

Romans 9:11 NKJV - (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),

God at Work Within Us

God, in His infinite wisdom, works within those who are His children to accomplish His good pleasure. Romans 8:14 reminds us that those led by the Spirit are indeed God's sons. This divine influence reshapes our desires and priorities. Formerly slaves to the flesh, we now yearn to please God, therefore, manifesting the fruit of repentance.

Philippians 2:13 NKJV - for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Romans 8:14 NKJV - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

The Mark of a Believer

1 John 3:4-8 delineates a clear distinction between those who belong to God and those who do not. This passage underscores the transformative power of faith, as believers are characterized by righteousness, while those who persist in sin are sons of disobedience and of the Devil.

1 John 3:4-8 NKJV - Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Circumcised Hearts and God's Grace

In closing, it's essential to recognize that as believers, we need not live in constant fear of sinning and being condemned. God, through His Holy Spirit, circumcises our hearts, instilling in us a love for righteousness. It is entirely His doing and not ours, and as 1 Corinthians 1:29 reminds us, "No flesh shall glory in His presence."

Also Read: 

Romans 8:1–4 — No Condemnations to Those Who Are in Jesus

Matthew 11:25–27 — God Reveals Jesus to Whom He Wills 

John 6:28–29 — The Work of God is to Believe in Jesus 

Ephesians 2:4–9 — Saved By Grace

Scripture References:

Bible Gateway passage: John 3 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Romans 8 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Romans 9 - New King James Version

Bible Gateway passage: Hebrews 6:13-20 - New King James Version