Already condemned

John 3:18 ESV

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

          It is a stark contrast between the believer and the non-believer. Through Christ we have a better life, not in the worldly sense as in possessions, but as in the internal with the indescribable joy and peace the Lord gives us. We have a better legacy. Our children more times then not grow up to be respectful, God fearing and humble people. We also deal with death better. If you have ever been to a celebration of life ceremony, though there is grief, there is also an unmistakable sense of hope. In every facet the believer does not live a life of condemnation. The believer is not down trodden for long. The believer truly shows the love of Jesus shining through him/her. Am I boasting in this? Without a doubt the only place where I will seek to be boastful is what Jesus Christ has done for me. In this verse we are promised that as believers we are not condemned in either the present or the eternal.
          Transversely, those that do not believe are condemned already. Notice the context of that sentence. It does not say, those that do not believe are condemned, it says condemned already. This means that their condemnation is not only in the future but is a present state. Those that are seperated from Christ are condemned in a very real and authentic way during every instance there is a spirit of non-believe in their heart. Non-believers do not have the hope of Christ that gets them through those tough times: the times of death, the times of sickness, the times of financial dificulty, the times of utter despair. Jesus takes the yoke of the believer and the non-believers are carrying their own burdens. What a heavy burden it is. The weight of the world will squish the strongest of men.
          Only one person can lift it. Only one person can lift it with His pinky finger. Only one person can lift it with a spoken word and thats Jesus Christ. The non-believer, without the full knowledge and faith in Christ is condemned for all eternity, but presently condemned while they lack faith in their maker. Therefore Christian, let your hearts fill with compassion. Let the Lord who works in you and through you to spread the light of Jesus for those who are already condemned. Let not your family members be condemned. Let not your neighbors be condemned. Let not your co-workers be condemned. Those who have a lamp do not look to cover it but lift it high for all to see. Be the light of the world and be encouraged to give hope to the hopeless, peace to the discouraged, and love to the dismayed. Praise be to the King of kings who has saved us from condemnation both present and eternal.