John 3 Verses 17-21

John 3:17 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 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. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” 

In John 3:16 we identified the world under consideration to be the world of God’s elect children that he chose before the foundation of the world.  Moreover, the context of this passage as was also the context in the first 16 verses in John 3 is a conversation between Nicodemus and the Lord Jesus Christ.  We recall that Nicodemus was in darkness with regard to the new or spiritual birth.   

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”  Anytime, the word, saved, is used in the scriptures, it behooves us to identify what we are to be saved “from.”  We cannot assume that it is always salvation from the condemnation of sin.  2 Tim. 2:10 teaches us that there are two types of salvation taught in the scriptures: 10 “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”  The elect already have eternal glory, but Paul said he endured all things that the elect may obtain a salvation with the eternal glory they already have.  Thus, there is an eternal salvation from the condemnation of sin and there are temporal salvations that the elect may obtain as they live in this life on earth. 

The Lord used the phrase “‘might’ be saved.”  If someone might be saved then it is possible that they might not be saved.  Thus, this is a conditional temporal salvation.   

“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.”  In this verse there is a distinction made between those that believe and those that don’t believe.  Those that believe are not condemned and those who don’t believe are condemned.  Also, in this verse we have identified for us just what those that believe “believed” and what those who did not believe “don’t believe.”  That which is to be believed is the “name” of the only begotten Son of God.  The name of the only begotten Son of God is Jesus Christ.  The name Jesus means savior.  The name Christ means the anointed one.  This verse is teaching us that the salvation under consideration comes to us by believing that Jesus is our Savior and that Jesus is our King and High Priest.  When someone puts a condition on their eternal salvation that includes the efforts of man to obtain that salvation, then they have not truly believed in the name “Jesus.”  Also, if someone does believe that Jesus alone saved him from their sins, but rejects him as being their King and High Priest by not repenting and changing their carnal ways, then they have not believed in the name, “Christ.” 

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”  Notice that the condemnation here to those who don’t believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God is not eternal condemnation, but rather a continuation in darkness.  The light of truth of Jesus Christ has come into the world and yet men loved darkness rather than light (i.e. their unbelief in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)  Thus, if believing in Jesus means one must put aside his pride and following Christ as King and High Priest means that one must turn from his evil deeds then all too often men will reject the light and walk in darkness.  Nicodemus came to Jesus in a state of darkness and during this conversation with Jesus he continued in darkness.  However, later Nicodemus came out of that darkness and along with Joseph of Arimathaea begged the body of Jesus that they may take and bury him in Joseph’s new tomb.    

“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”  Plainly the condemnation in this passage is to dwell in darkness, while the salvation is to have the light of Christ to guide and direct us and that we have that light that we may do the good deeds that are wrought in God.