John 3:18
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that believeth - As stated before on Joh 3:16. Is not condemned - For past sin, that being forgiven on his believing in Christ. But he that believeth not - When the Gospel is preached to him, and the way of salvation made plain. Is condemned already - Continues under the condemnation which Divine justice has passed upon all sinners; and has this superadded, He hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God, and therefore is guilty of the grossest insult to the Divine majesty, in neglecting, slighting, and despising the salvation which the infinite mercy of God had provided for him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
is not condemned--Having, immediately on his believing, "passed from death unto life" (Joh 5:24). condemned already--Rejecting the one way of deliverance from that "condemnation" which God gave His Son to remove, and so wilfully remaining condemned.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And this is the condemnation,.... Of him that believes not in Christ; that is, this is the matter and cause of his condemnation, and by which it is aggravated, and appears to be just: that light is come into the world: by which is meant, not natural or corporeal light; though natural darkness is, by some, preferred to this, being more convenient for their evil works; as by thieves, murderers, and adulterers: nor is the light of nature designed, with which every man is enlightened that comes into the world; which, though but a dim light, might be of more use, and service, than it is; and is often rejected, and rebelled against, by wicked men, and which will be the condemnation of the Heathen world: but rather the light of divine revelation, both in the law of God, and Gospel of Christ; especially the latter is here intended; and which, though so great a favour to fallen men, is despised, and denied by the sons of darkness: though it may be best of all to understand it of Christ himself, the light of the world, and who is come a light into it; see Joh 8:12, who may be called "light", because he has set revelation in its clearest and fullest light; he has declared the whole mind, and will of God concerning the affair of divine worship, and the business of salvation: grace, and truth, are come by him; the doctrines of grace, and the truths of the Gospel, are most clearly brought to light by him; the types, and shadows of the law are removed; and the promises, and the prophecies of the Old Testament, are most largely expounded by him, and most perfectly fulfilled in him: and besides; he is the author and giver of the light of grace, by which men see themselves to be what they are, lost and undone sinners; and see him to be the only able, willing, suitable, sufficient, and complete Saviour: and he it is that now gives the saints the glimpse of glory they have, and will be the light of the new Jerusalem, and the everlasting light of his people hereafter. He, by his incarnation, may be said to "come into the world" in general, which was made by him, as God; and as he was in it, as man; though he was not known by it as the God-man, Mediator, and Messiah: and particularly he came into the Jewish world, where he was born, brought up, conversed, lived, and died; and into the Gentile world, by the ministry of his apostles, whom he; sent into all the world, to preach the Gospel to every creature, and spread the glorious light of it in every place: and men loved darkness rather than light: the Jews, the greater part of them, preferred the darkness of the ceremonial law, and the Mosaic dispensation, and even the traditions of their elders, before the clear Gospel revelation made by Christ Jesus; and the Gentiles also, for the most part, chose rather to continue in their Heathenish ignorance, and idolatry, and to walk in their own ways, and in the vanity of their minds, than to embrace Christ, and his Gospel, and submit to his ordinances, and appointments; and the generality of men, to this day, love their natural darkness, and choose to walk in it, and to have fellowship with the works of darkness, and delight in the company of the children of darkness, rather than follow Christ, the light of the world; receive his Gospel, and walk in his ways, in fellowship with his saints: the reason of all this is, because their deeds were evil; which they chose not to relinquish; and Christ, his Gospel and ordinances are contrary to them; for the doctrine of the grace of God, which has appeared, and shone out in great lustre, and splendour, in the world, teaches men to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts; and therefore it is hated, and rejected, by men.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 As light penetrates and exposes the world’s darkness, God’s judgment on the world has already begun. Those who see this light and recognize the tragedy of their own situation have the responsibility of believing in God’s . . . Son (3:16-17).
John 3:18
Jesus and Nicodemus
17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 1
By W.F. Kumuyi3.9K09:48MRK 16:16JHN 3:18ACT 13:381JN 5:10This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of belief in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. It contrasts the consequences of belief and unbelief, highlighting the necessity of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior to receive forgiveness of sins and justification. The message warns against rejecting Christ's sacrifice and promises, as disbelief leads to condemnation and separation from God.
The Two Judaisms
By Art Katz3.8K1:29:40JudaismJER 17:5MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 3:18ROM 1:161TI 2:11PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the materialistic mindset prevalent in America, where success is measured by wealth and possessions. He acknowledges the struggle of those who are not able to achieve this level of prosperity. However, he also highlights the importance of having a spiritual disposition that allows for a loving regard for the Jewish people. The speaker believes that bringing the gospel to the Jewish people is a significant part of the ongoing conflict between good and evil. He refers to Jeremiah 17 to discuss the two ways described in the Bible - the way of God and the way of men, which determine blessings and curses. The speaker urges the audience to understand and embrace God's divine order and authority.
Gift Our Lord Brought to the World - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer3.2K35:22Free GiftEXO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 3:18ROM 5:8EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a tragic incident in Italy where a train carrying students home for Christmas breaks and results in the death of seventy-eight students. He highlights the contrast between the value placed on the human race as a whole and the disregard for individual lives. The preacher then turns to the scripture from the book of John, emphasizing the profound significance of the message that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son for its salvation. He acknowledges the difficulty of fully comprehending and preaching on such a powerful and concentrated text, but recognizes its importance, especially on the day before Christmas.
Hell's Best Kept Secret (German)
By Ray Comfort2.4K55:52EvangelismPSA 51:6LUK 10:25JHN 3:18ROM 3:23ROM 6:232CO 13:5In this sermon, evangelist Ray Comfort shares a teaching called "Hell's Best Kept Secret." He begins by illustrating the importance of understanding the Gospel through a story about two passengers on a plane. One passenger is skeptical about wearing a parachute, while the other understands the gravity of the situation and puts it on without hesitation. Comfort uses this analogy to emphasize the need for people to recognize the reality of sin and the consequences of not repenting. He urges listeners to share the Gospel with others, emphasizing that simply telling someone to put on the "parachute" of salvation without explaining the need for it is ineffective.
(Am I Saved?) 1- Born Again
By Michael Pearl2.1K36:30JHN 3:7JHN 3:14JHN 3:18JHN 3:36In this sermon, the preacher discusses the misconception that simply knowing Bible verses or being baptized guarantees salvation. He shares a story of a person who thought they were saved but lived in sin for years until they had a transformative experience with God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding one's sinful nature and feeling genuine guilt before God. He explains that true salvation comes from believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and accepting His sacrifice for our sins, as stated in John 3:16. The sermon also highlights the consequences of not being born again and the need for repentance and faith in Christ.
The Two Advents of Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K35:57MAT 9:27MAT 14:30MRK 5:28JHN 3:18ACT 2:21HEB 9:27In this sermon, the preacher vividly describes the scene of Jesus' crucifixion and the events leading up to it. He calls out the persecutors, including Judas, Pilot, and the soldiers, urging them to continue their betrayal and mistreatment of Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the contrast between Jesus' first and second advent, highlighting the difference in his purpose and demeanor. He then challenges the audience to consider their own response to Jesus, urging them not to despise his cross or reject his reign. The sermon concludes with a description of Jesus' glorious appearance at the judgment day, contrasting it with the world's previous rejection of him.
God Helps Those Who Cannot Help Themselves by Jeff Nobit
By Jeff Noblit1.6K46:33ISA 64:6JER 17:9JHN 3:18ROM 5:6ROM 5:10ROM 8:31EPH 1:6This sermon delves into the profound truths of God's holiness, man's sinful nature, and the helpless state of humanity apart from Christ. It emphasizes the ungodliness, sinfulness, enmity, and helplessness of individuals before a holy God, highlighting the desperate need for God's intervention and salvation. Through the lens of Romans 5:6-10, the message reveals the depth of God's love in reaching out to the ungodly, sinners, enemies, and helpless ones through the sacrificial death of Christ, showcasing the incomprehensible grace and mercy of God in saving unworthy souls.
The Priority of Regeneration Part 1
By John Murray1.3K48:58RegenerationJHN 3:5JHN 3:18JAS 1:171JN 2:291JN 3:91JN 4:71JN 5:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the preaching of the word of God and its impact on the believer's life. The sermon focuses on the concept of being begotten of God and how it relates to faith, abstinence from sin, love of God, knowledge of God, and doing righteousness. The speaker emphasizes that those who are begotten of God do not continue in sin and eventually come to believe in the position of not sinning. The sermon references several passages from the book of John to support these teachings.
Frank Knox Testimony
By Frank Knox1.0K1:19:55MAT 6:33JHN 3:18JHN 3:36ACT 16:31ROM 10:9EPH 2:8In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their personal journey of selling their farm and traveling to England. They mention their family's devotion to attending preaching sessions in an orange hall and their admiration for the preachers. The speaker then recounts their arrival in a new place and their curiosity about the people and the preaching they would encounter. They express humility and a desire to be saved and transformed by the preaching. The transcript also briefly mentions the speaker's involvement in Sunday school and their reliance on God's help in delivering a message.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Worst Sin
By William Blackburn66531:59SinPSA 76:7PSA 103:8ISA 28:21MAT 6:33JHN 3:18JHN 5:281CO 6:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice between life and death, heaven and hell. He urges the audience to come to Jesus and let Him pay for their sins, rather than rejecting Him and facing the consequences of their own sin debt. The preacher highlights the need for true belief and obedience to God, stating that one's actions reflect their faith. He shares his personal experience of realizing his rebellion against God and seeking His mercy, emphasizing the urgency of accepting Christ before it is too late. The sermon also references John 5:28-29, which speaks about the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
John 3
By Robert F. Adcock52337:00PSA 23:1MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 3:18ROM 3:23ROM 8:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing kindness to others, going beyond what is expected. He references historical events where governments were overthrown and the new administration would eradicate those aligned with the previous one. The speaker then reads two passages from the Bible, John 3:16 and 2 Samuel 9, highlighting the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the story of David showing kindness to Mephibosheth. The sermon emphasizes the need for justice and righteousness, as well as the destructive power of guilt and the importance of showing kindness and mercy to others.
3 Things Jesus Said About Hell
By Shane Idleman2942:48HellThe Urgency of the GospelMAT 5:22MAT 10:28MAT 25:41MRK 9:43LUK 16:23JHN 3:18JHN 14:6ROM 3:232TH 1:9REV 21:8Shane Idleman addresses the difficult topic of hell in his sermon '3 Things Jesus Said About Hell,' emphasizing that Jesus spoke more about hell than any other biblical figure. He highlights three key points: the existence of hell, the fear of hell, and the fact that going to hell is a choice. Idleman stresses the importance of understanding the gravity of sin and the necessity of accepting Christ's sacrifice to avoid condemnation. He encourages believers to have compassion for the lost and to actively pray for those who do not know Christ, reminding them that the gospel is urgent and always a priority.
No Man Cared for My Soul
By J. Wilbur Chapman1PSA 142:4MAT 28:19LUK 15:7JHN 3:18JHN 3:36ROM 10:14JAS 4:171PE 3:15J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the importance of caring for the souls of others, drawing inspiration from the contrasting life of King David who wrote the Psalms. He emphasizes the need for Christians to personally reach out to those who may feel neglected spiritually, sharing the message of salvation and the love of Christ. Chapman highlights the impact of personal invitations to accept Christ, urging believers to be consistent in their faith and to not miss opportunities to speak to others about salvation. He stresses that God, Christ, ministers, and many others care deeply for every soul, and encourages listeners to trust in God, accept His conditions, and follow Him.
Eternal Life: What It Is, What It Cost, and Who Can Have It John 3:1-21
By R.A. Torrey0New BirthEternal LifeJHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 3:16JHN 3:18JHN 3:36JHN 5:24ROM 10:10GAL 2:20EPH 2:81JN 5:20R.A. Torrey explores the profound concept of eternal life as presented in John 3:1-21, emphasizing that it is humanity's greatest need. He discusses Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus, highlighting the necessity of being 'born again' to enter the kingdom of God. Torrey explains that eternal life is purchased through the sacrificial death of Christ and is offered freely to all who believe. He contrasts the acceptance of eternal life by believers with the rejection by unbelievers, underscoring the importance of coming to the light of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a personal response to the gift of eternal life available through faith in Jesus.
The Most Important Question That Any Man Ever Asked or Answered
By R.A. Torrey0Decision for ChristThe Nature of JesusMAT 27:22JHN 3:18R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical question posed by Pontius Pilate, 'What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?' He warns that our eternal fate hinges on how we respond to Jesus, highlighting that acceptance leads to God's acceptance, peace of conscience, joy, and eternal life, while rejection results in condemnation. Torrey shares personal testimonies to illustrate the transformative power of accepting Christ, urging the audience to confront their decision regarding Jesus, as every individual must ultimately choose to accept or reject Him. He concludes by reminding listeners of the divine nature of Jesus and the grave consequences of denying Him.
Luke 19:10
By Chuck Smith0SalvationTransformationMAT 18:11LUK 19:10JHN 3:18ROM 10:9REV 3:20Chuck Smith emphasizes the transformative encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, illustrating how Jesus seeks out the lost, regardless of their social status or past sins. Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, overcomes his obstacles to see Jesus and experiences a radical change from greed to generosity after his encounter with Christ. The sermon highlights that Jesus knows our true selves and calls us by name, offering salvation and a new identity as children of God. Smith concludes by affirming that true conversion leads to a profound change in one's life and priorities.
Jesus the Light of the World John 8:12-24
By R.A. Torrey0Jesus as the LightSalvation through BeliefPRO 14:32ISA 55:6MAT 16:24JHN 3:18JHN 8:12JHN 12:46JHN 17:32CO 6:2HEB 2:31JN 1:5R.A. Torrey emphasizes that Jesus is the Light of the World, asserting His divine nature and the necessity of believing in Him to escape the darkness of sin. He explores the implications of Jesus' claim, highlighting the importance of knowing both the Father and the Son for true understanding and salvation. Torrey warns that dying in sin leads to eternal separation from God, urging listeners to seek Jesus while He can be found. The sermon contrasts the light of Christ with the darkness of disbelief, illustrating the consequences of rejecting His message. Ultimately, Torrey calls for a commitment to follow Jesus, the true source of light and life.
Matthew 26:22
By Chuck Smith0Faith and DecisionEternal ConsequencesMAT 10:32MRK 8:38JHN 1:12JHN 3:18ROM 10:9Chuck Smith emphasizes the critical nature of the question posed in Matthew 26:22, urging listeners to consider their immediate and eternal futures based on their response to Christ. He illustrates the consequences of others' choices, from Pilate's indifference to Stephen's vision of heaven, highlighting the stark contrast between acceptance and denial of Jesus. The sermon challenges individuals to recognize their position regarding Christ, either confessing Him or denying Him, and stresses the importance of making a decision that aligns with faith and salvation.
The Doctrine of Justification 7. Its Objects
By A.W. Pink0JustificationGrace Of GodISA 43:25JER 31:3JHN 3:18ROM 3:19ROM 4:5ROM 4:25ROM 5:6ROM 8:33EPH 2:31TI 3:16A.W. Pink explores the doctrine of justification, emphasizing that God justifies the ungodly, not based on their works but through faith in Christ's righteousness. He clarifies that justification is a legal declaration from God, distinct from the believer's experiential state, and that all humans, including the elect, are born under condemnation until they believe. Pink highlights that justification is not about inherent righteousness but about God's grace extended to sinners, illustrating this with biblical examples like Abraham and the thief on the cross. He stresses that faith is the means by which one receives this justification, underscoring the radical nature of God's mercy towards the most wretched. Ultimately, Pink affirms that God's justification is a miraculous act of grace that offers hope to all who believe, regardless of their past sins.
Redemption
By Watchman Nee0RedemptionFaith and SalvationJHN 1:29JHN 3:15JHN 3:18JHN 5:24ACT 16:31ROM 3:221TI 2:61TI 4:101JN 2:2Watchman Nee emphasizes the profound doctrine of redemption, asserting that Jesus Christ's sacrifice is intended for the entire world, as evidenced by various scriptures. He clarifies that while Christ's death is sufficient for all, individual belief is essential for salvation, as faith is the means by which one appropriates this redemption. Nee warns against the misconception that universal redemption negates personal responsibility to believe, highlighting that true salvation requires an active faith in Jesus. He concludes that belief in Christ leads to eternal life and justification, making it imperative for individuals to apply the truth of redemption to their own lives.
The Climax Sin
By D.L. Moody0Conviction of SinUnbeliefMAT 7:21MRK 9:24JHN 3:18JHN 16:8ROM 14:232CO 5:17EPH 2:8HEB 3:12JAS 1:61JN 5:10D.L. Moody emphasizes that unbelief is the root of all sin, labeling it as the 'climax sin' of the world. He argues that many societal issues stem from this fundamental lack of faith, which leads individuals to live in sin and rebellion against God. Moody calls for the Holy Spirit's convicting power to reveal the seriousness of unbelief, stressing that true conversion must be accompanied by a deep conviction of sin. He warns against superficial conversions that lack genuine repentance and urges believers to pray for a thorough work of conviction in the hearts of men. Ultimately, Moody highlights the Spirit's role in imparting life and guiding believers into truth while convicting the world of sin.
There Is Therefore Now No Condemnation
By C.H. Spurgeon0Freedom in ChristGrace and MercyJHN 3:18ROM 8:1EPH 2:8C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound truth that believers in Jesus are completely freed from guilt and condemnation, liberated from the bondage of sin and the law. He illustrates how Christ's sacrifice grants us direct access to God, removing the fear of punishment and allowing us to approach the Father with confidence. Spurgeon highlights that all the blessings and privileges of perfect obedience are now ours through Christ's righteousness, which is imputed to us. He calls for a deep sense of gratitude for the mercy and love we receive, reminding us that we owe everything to our Savior's grace. The message is a celebration of the believer's new identity and freedom in Christ.
The Gospel Warning
By A.W. Tozer0Transformation through ChristThe Dual Nature of the GospelMAT 7:13JHN 3:18JHN 16:8ACT 2:38ROM 1:161CO 1:182CO 5:17GAL 2:202TH 1:8HEB 4:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while the gospel brings joy and blessings to believers, it also serves as a warning to those who do not obey its message. The Cross represents good news for the repentant, but it also highlights the consequences of sin, righteousness, and judgment for the impenitent. The gospel can be received either as a powerless word or as a powerful truth that transforms lives, shifting one's identity from Adam to Christ. This transformation brings a new Spirit into the believer's life, resulting in a complete renewal of their being. Tozer calls for an understanding of the dual nature of the gospel, urging listeners to embrace its power for true change.
Beginning Right
By R.A. Torrey0Surrender to ChristBeginning the Christian LifeLUK 6:46JHN 1:12JHN 3:16JHN 3:18ROM 3:232CO 5:21GAL 3:26HEB 7:251JN 1:51JN 1:8R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical importance of beginning the Christian life correctly, asserting that a right start leads to a right journey. He explains that receiving Jesus Christ as one's sin-bearer, deliverer from sin, and as Lord and King is essential for true transformation. Torrey reassures that anyone, regardless of their past, can start anew by accepting Christ, who offers forgiveness and power to live victoriously. He stresses that this unconditional surrender to Jesus is the key to a fulfilling Christian life, where obedience and trust in Him are paramount. The sermon concludes with a call to action for individuals to make this vital commitment to Christ now.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that believeth - As stated before on Joh 3:16. Is not condemned - For past sin, that being forgiven on his believing in Christ. But he that believeth not - When the Gospel is preached to him, and the way of salvation made plain. Is condemned already - Continues under the condemnation which Divine justice has passed upon all sinners; and has this superadded, He hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God, and therefore is guilty of the grossest insult to the Divine majesty, in neglecting, slighting, and despising the salvation which the infinite mercy of God had provided for him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
is not condemned--Having, immediately on his believing, "passed from death unto life" (Joh 5:24). condemned already--Rejecting the one way of deliverance from that "condemnation" which God gave His Son to remove, and so wilfully remaining condemned.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And this is the condemnation,.... Of him that believes not in Christ; that is, this is the matter and cause of his condemnation, and by which it is aggravated, and appears to be just: that light is come into the world: by which is meant, not natural or corporeal light; though natural darkness is, by some, preferred to this, being more convenient for their evil works; as by thieves, murderers, and adulterers: nor is the light of nature designed, with which every man is enlightened that comes into the world; which, though but a dim light, might be of more use, and service, than it is; and is often rejected, and rebelled against, by wicked men, and which will be the condemnation of the Heathen world: but rather the light of divine revelation, both in the law of God, and Gospel of Christ; especially the latter is here intended; and which, though so great a favour to fallen men, is despised, and denied by the sons of darkness: though it may be best of all to understand it of Christ himself, the light of the world, and who is come a light into it; see Joh 8:12, who may be called "light", because he has set revelation in its clearest and fullest light; he has declared the whole mind, and will of God concerning the affair of divine worship, and the business of salvation: grace, and truth, are come by him; the doctrines of grace, and the truths of the Gospel, are most clearly brought to light by him; the types, and shadows of the law are removed; and the promises, and the prophecies of the Old Testament, are most largely expounded by him, and most perfectly fulfilled in him: and besides; he is the author and giver of the light of grace, by which men see themselves to be what they are, lost and undone sinners; and see him to be the only able, willing, suitable, sufficient, and complete Saviour: and he it is that now gives the saints the glimpse of glory they have, and will be the light of the new Jerusalem, and the everlasting light of his people hereafter. He, by his incarnation, may be said to "come into the world" in general, which was made by him, as God; and as he was in it, as man; though he was not known by it as the God-man, Mediator, and Messiah: and particularly he came into the Jewish world, where he was born, brought up, conversed, lived, and died; and into the Gentile world, by the ministry of his apostles, whom he; sent into all the world, to preach the Gospel to every creature, and spread the glorious light of it in every place: and men loved darkness rather than light: the Jews, the greater part of them, preferred the darkness of the ceremonial law, and the Mosaic dispensation, and even the traditions of their elders, before the clear Gospel revelation made by Christ Jesus; and the Gentiles also, for the most part, chose rather to continue in their Heathenish ignorance, and idolatry, and to walk in their own ways, and in the vanity of their minds, than to embrace Christ, and his Gospel, and submit to his ordinances, and appointments; and the generality of men, to this day, love their natural darkness, and choose to walk in it, and to have fellowship with the works of darkness, and delight in the company of the children of darkness, rather than follow Christ, the light of the world; receive his Gospel, and walk in his ways, in fellowship with his saints: the reason of all this is, because their deeds were evil; which they chose not to relinquish; and Christ, his Gospel and ordinances are contrary to them; for the doctrine of the grace of God, which has appeared, and shone out in great lustre, and splendour, in the world, teaches men to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts; and therefore it is hated, and rejected, by men.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 As light penetrates and exposes the world’s darkness, God’s judgment on the world has already begun. Those who see this light and recognize the tragedy of their own situation have the responsibility of believing in God’s . . . Son (3:16-17).