Standing at the Black Beach

Jesus answered Nicodemus,

"For God so loved the world

 that he gave his only Son, 

so that everyone who believes in him

 may not perish but may have eternal life." 

(from John 3:1-17)

Reynisfjara Beach, a stunning Black Beach, in South Iceland, is known for its dramatic natural landscapes of the caves, sea spikes, black sand, and large rock formations that rise out of the sea.

The Heavens above produce magnificent sunsets, sunrises, and the Norther Lights

The world around you is an extremely dangerous North Atlantic beach capable of 120 ft. powerful, waves able to knock you down and drag you out to sea.

Standing on the Black Beach are the "heavens" above and the "world" around you.

John's theology is one of a two-story universe.

"Heaven" is the upper story, centered around God, is a realm of life, light, and abundance. 

The “world” is the lower story, a realm of hate and darkness, living in pain only partly knowing God.

Nicodemus, is curious about Jesus.

Jesus explains to Nicodemus that understanding him means bring be born from above.

God sent Jesus into the world because God loves the world which means taking actions for the good of others.

To inherit eternal life is choosing to live by heavens qualities, such as love, life, truth, and freedom even while experiencing the world's pain and hate.

Those not believing in Jesus are already condemned to continue to living in the prison of the world, and to die without hope of continued life. 

Those who do not believe in Jesus love the darkness more than they love the light. 

The choice is like standing on the Black Beach believing in Jesus and seeing the beauty of heaven or not believing and living anxiously about 120 ft. waves and landslides.

As I see it, those who believe in Jesus will not be overwhelmed by living anxiously, but will live on the beach seeing the possibility of eternal life.