What did Jesus mean when he was talking to Nicodemus and said "But he that practices truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest,that they are wrought in God?"
I realize that I was not doing the truth when I came to Jesus. That's why I'm having a problem with this question. Is it a fact that I realized that I wanted to do right and confess my sins and that's why God saved me?
John 3:21
ESV - 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.
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Asked March 20 2018
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Gregory Jones
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For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Jennifer Rothnie
God saved you because of faith. :) However, what this verse is talking about is about the heart conditions of unbelievers. Are they seeking truth, or do they fear it? Are they humble and ready to acknowledge wrongdoing, or do they love their own sin?
A humble heart that is seeking truth and receptive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit regarding sin is prepared for the gospel. A proud heart that loves sin and hates truth will reject the gospel. The parable of the sower gets into this with the seed sowed on hard soil, rocky soil, shallow soil, and good soil.
The passage doesn't mean you have to already do truth and what is right before believing - but rather that someone who seeks to live in truth will not be afraid to come into the light and have their deeds exposed, confessing as needed.
"Regarding truth as the work of life, he cometh to the light, and though for him too it will be a revelation of sins and errors, and deeds of shame, he hates them the moment he knows them, cuts them from his life at whatever cost, and carries his whole being to the light that it may become really true, and that its true works may be made manifest....Every work wrought in God had already bound them in union with Him, and prepared them to receive Him."
Elicott's commentary for English readers
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/john/3-21.htm
Gregory Jones
Thank you great answer very clear and understandable