John's Gospel always seems to be the one that strikes best at the core of what I should believe. I certainly don't discount the teachings of the other 3 gospels but John just puts it in more of an understandable fashion for me. It was the first book in the bible that I was encouraged to read on my own, as it was for many of us who were "saved" later in life. Since then, I have encouraged some others who had questions about Jesus or what they should believe to read this book as well. This passage contains very strong language but it therefore puts the importance on its meaning right in front of the reader. There can be no misunderstanding. The wrath of God is something even non-believers or new believers can grasp even with little understanding of faith in Jesus. This phrase is used to describe so many things in the world that it's scope is easy to take in. I think about this as Hurricane Ike bears down on the Texas coast. I have many friends who live in Houston and south of Houston that I pray have their faith and belief in the right place. I fear some of them do not, but I pray this storm is not the "wrath of God" that will take them from this world and that they will enjoy the eternal life and calm that believers feel despite impending trials that we all face daily.
3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him. |
