Life and death

John the Baptist, in a climactic declaration about Jesus of Nazareth, whom he has identified as the saving Son of God, says this: "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn 3:36).

These words contain a simple and sweet assurance that faith in the Son secures everlasting life. There is a sober warning that not believing the Son results in death. There is solemn declaration that not believing means that—far from seeing life—wrath abides upon us.

John's message is as true today as ever, for only Jesus of Nazareth is the sinner's refuge and the saint's security.