Why the World Needs a Savior: how the gospel redeems a fallen world

By Gary Hollingsworth, senior director, Cultural Evangelism and interim group leader, Evangelization, NAMB

John 3:1-21

INTRODUCTION
Physical birthmarks identify us with our biological parents and are “marks,” which are passed along providing evidence of our heritage.

TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE
Every human has a “birthmark” called sin and because of this “birthmark,” every person needs spiritual redemption.

I. THE RIGHT QUESTION (v. 4)
“How can a man be born when he is old?”

ILLUSTRATION:  There are many different physical traits which identify various ethnic groups in the world…skin color, facial distinctions, etc. Because of the sin birthmark, the need for spiritual rebirth is a universal trait.

APPLICATION:  This is the question every human needs to ask. While Nicodemus was speaking in terms of a physical birth, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual rebirth. The Gospel is the only thing that will provide the right answer to this pressing question.

II. THE RIGHT ANSWER (V. 5-6)
“No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

ILLUSTRATION:  All world religions have at least two things in common: 1) They provide a system for humans to appease or connect to their god; and 2) They provide some moral code of how humans are to act and relate to others.

APPLICATION:  Noble as these are, other than Christianity, there is no other world religion that has God coming to redeem humanity from their fallen state. This is why Jesus’ imperative in John 14:6 is so critical:  “No one comes to the father except through me.” The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is the only way to provide redemption through His blood. (Hebrews 9:14)

III. THE RIGHT DECISION (V. 17-18)
Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus left him with a decision. Would he continue on the road of his religion or could he see his ultimate need of redemption made possible only through a spiritual “new birth?” Verse 17 sets Christianity apart in that God is not harsh and judgmental toward a sinful world. Indeed, He loves it enough that He has provided the way of redemption for the entire world.
The critical decision for every human is still found in verse 18. Those who believe will not be condemned, but those who do not believe are condemned already. It is the birthmark of sin that condemns the human soul.

CLOSE:  A good parent will know what their child needs and do all within their power to provide it. Children may be more interested in their wants, but a good parent will prioritize their actual needs. God, too, provides what every human actually needs.
If the world’s greatest need had been education, God would have sent a teacher. Had it been health, He would have sent a doctor. Had it been wealth, He would have sent an investor. But the world’s greatest need is salvation, so He sent a Savior!
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).