Some modern churches preach that Jesus came to condemn those who don’t follow the rules, God’s and their rules. Now, Jesus indeed came to condemn, but not us rule-breakers. As John said,

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8)

Satan has long held potent influence over humanity. He’s the designer of false versions of Christianity, the author of all lies, the patron of the graffiti hiding God’s truth. Jesus came to condemn Satan, destroy his work, and set us free from Satan’s influence. Isaiah foresaw this when he stated that Jesus would come … “to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness” (Isaiah 42:7 NRSV).

Imagine all humanity held captive in a dark prison, where Satan is the warden. We’re blinded by Satan’s lightless influence. Most people don’t know that they’re prisoners, because they don’t realize that there’s another world out there. All most of us know is this chaotic prison-world we live in, when all along God offers another option.

Now, Jesus didn’t come to condemn us because of our captivity. Rather, He came to open our eyes and free us from our captivity. As Jesus said of Himself:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,” (Luke 4:18 NRSV)

“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17 NASB)

Jesus came to testify to the truth, and it’s His truth that opens our eyes and sets us free. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

(Excerpt from “Beneath the Graffiti: A De-churched Christian’s Search for Christianity.”)

https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Graffiti-churched-Christians-Christianity-ebook/dp/B0DK7VD71B