The Why Of Why It Was Written

Daily Bread

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From the gospel of John we read,

“but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31 – NASB)

Sometimes things we read in the Bible are difficult to understand. We have to, on many occasions, apply ourselves to the task of trying to make sense out of what God is saying to us. But then, sometimes, He makes things very clear. There is left no doubt as to what the meaning of a text or context is, or for that matter, an entire book. This is the case for the gospel of John . . . . we know the why of why it was written.

The apostle John states quite clearly that the words he has “written,” in this gospel that bears his name were “written that you” and I might “believe that” the “Jesus” he has spoken of “is the Christ,” that He is the “Anointed One” (what “Christ” means in the Greek), the promised Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament.

This “Jesus” John writes of is not only “the Christ” but He is “the Son of God.” John specifically states that he has “written” his gospel that those who read it “may believe” this: “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God!”

And why does John want his readers to “believe” this? Very pointedly, “that believing you may have life in His name.” As John has stated previous to our text,

“And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent” (John 17:3 – NASB)

There is “life” in this “Jesus” who is “the Christ,” who is “the Son of God.” Instead of eternal condemnation, eternal separation from God, there is “eternal life” for all those who “believe” in Him! That is the very clear why of why the gospel of John was written!

This gospel of John declares emphatically, from beginning to end, that “Jesus” is the only way to be saved from the wrath to come. It leaves no doubt to its meaning, being a very clear proclamation from one end to another that “Jesus” is the great “I AM,” very man yet very God, the Creator, and that He is the only One that could have possibly carried out the work that had to be done to reconcile a lost sinner to God.

Do you know of someone that you want to introduce to Jesus? Recommend strongly to them that they read the gospel of John. If they do, when they are finished, ask them, “WHY do you think John wrote this book? WHO do you think this Jesus is? WHAT does all of it mean for you specifically?”

As one agnostic stated, after reading John’s gospel and being confronted with the question, “So who do you say this Jesus is?” The agnostic responded, “He is God!” And that is the why of why it was written.

Have a good day . . . . and as you walk encourage anyone you can to read the gospel of John . . . that they might be made to know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He is the only One who can save them from the wages of their sin.

A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.