John 3:17, Salvation, Not Condemnation

17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” 

This verse is demonstrated later in the story of the woman caught in adultery in chapter 8. She is brought to Jesus by some scribes and Pharisees to see how he will judge her. Instead, he asks that whoever is sinless should throw the first stone. All the men present eventually walk away. Left alone with her, Jesus asks, “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." 

We know that when Jesus returns, he shall come as Judge and that there will be a day of judgment. But we also know that Jesus has paid the price for that judgment. Like he does for the woman caught in adultery, Jesus frees us from condemnation and tells us to go and sin no more.  

When is the last time you brought your struggle with sin to Jesus and asked him to save you from it? Daily confession is a must for Christians and something we practice in every church service. Here is a good prayer to pray from the Psalms: 

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses. Wash me through and through from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions only too well, and my sin is ever before me. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, a sinner.