John 5:19-29
Q.1. What was the main theme of the ministry of Jesus? Why has God given judgment to His Son? – (Jn.5:19-23)
The main theme of Jesus throughout His life was to draw attention to His Father > Godward … and to offer life > manward. That is why the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He himself is doing (Jn.5:20). God has given judgment to the Son – so that all will honour the Son even as they honour the Father (Jn.5:23). The Son is in the perfect position to justly judge mankind – since He Himself likewise shared our flesh and blood and thus is able to be a merciful and faithful high priest in the things pertaining to God (Heb.2:14-18).
Q.2. When does eternal life begin? What is promised to all who believe? – (Jn.5:24)
There is so much in this one verse from Jesus – Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life (Jn.5:24). Whenever Jesus preceded a statement with Amen, Amen, He wanted us all to take special note. Jesus stated that the moment we place our trust in Him and His Father, we have – eternal life, and have – passed out of death into life. By that ‘divine swap’, we instantly commence an everlasting existence. The reason why we can have this assurance, is that salvation is a gift. It is not reliant on performance. If it depended on our achievements, salvation would be unobtainable since we all continue to sin (1 Jn.1:8 & 10; 2:1-2).
Q.3. Do believers still die? Are all raised to life after dying? Will all be treated the same at the judgment? – (Jn.5:25-29)
God has kept His promise to Adam, that disobedience to His command will bring death. Paul explained – Therefore, just as through a single man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned (Rom.5:12). Here Jesus explained that – the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God … and live (Jn.5:25). He also informed us that this resurrection will be followed by a judgment executed by the Son of Man (Jn.5:27). This judgment will produce very different outcomes, according to how people have lived. No one will be exempted – 28… all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment (Jn.5:28-29). All the unredeemed will be subject to the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev.20:11-14).