John 3:14-21 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of MAN be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have eternal life. For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved.
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. And this is the condemnation, that LIGHT is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the LIGHT, neither cometh to the LIGHT, lest his deeds should be reproved [exposed]. But he that doeth truth cometh to the LIGHT, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in GOD."
The vast majority of those who "celebrate Christmas" really have no reason to celebrate at all. Actually, the contrary is true, for anyone who has not found peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST is but a heartbeat away from judgment in a Devil's Hell. Their merriment is baseless, and they are comparable to the people in Ezekiel's day who were making "mirth" but who failed to realize their precarious situation (Ezekiel 21:8-10 pictured above) ! Only those who have received, by faith, the biblical testimony of CHRIST's divine person and HIS perfect and finished work on Calvary's cross, trusting in HIM alone for their salvation, can rightfully call GOD their heavenly FATHER and claim HIS promise of everlasting life. One of the problems during the Christmas season is that the world sees JESUS' birth only as a symbol for "peace and goodwill" among men and nations, and they completely ignore the matter of personal sin and man's need for salvation. While our text tells us of the LORD's love in sending HIS SON and the forgiveness afforded to all who believe and thereby receive HIM as their personal SAVIOR (vv.15-17), few truly do believe. Why ? It is because men love "darkness rather than LIGHT, because their deeds [are] evil" (vv.19-20). People enjoy talking about the "Christmas spirit," their warm fuzzy feelings, and their philanthropic deeds, but few see CHRIST's coming as the GOD-sent remedy for sin. That is the real issue in remembering the day when GOD became "flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Today, be sure that you have received the gift of eternal life through faith alone in the person and finished work of JESUS CHRIST and then praise and thank GOD for HIS love for you. Those who have a relationship with the LORD have much to celebrate ! DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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