John 5:24-29 – Hearing and Believing
The salvation of our souls depends on hearing Christ. It is the man who “hears Christ’s word” and believes that God the Father sent Him to save sinners, who has everlasting life. This hearing is more than just listening. It is hearing with faith and love, hearing with a heart ready to obey Christ. To hear His voice and follow Him – this is the way to Heaven. But we need God to give us, by His grace, ears to hear and feet to follow. It is all grace and grace alone.
A true hearer and believer enjoys rich and full privileges. He has everlasting life. He is completely justified and forgiven. His sins are put away. He is in an entirely new position before God. The moment he believes, he is already pardoned, forgiven, and saved, though not in heaven. His sins are entirely removed, taken away, and blotted out of God’s book, by Christ’s blood. He may look forward to judgement without fear. He shall stand without fault before the throne of God. He is no longer dead before God, but alive, a new creature.
Christ has the power to give life to dead souls. He can awaken dead hearts to spiritual life, and make them feel their need of salvation, repent, and believe. But He also prophesies here about the final resurrection of the dead. All is not over when men die. Whether they like it or not, they will have to come forth from their graves at the last day, and stand before Christ. None can escape His summons. When men rise again, there will be two groups. Not all will go to heaven. Not all will be saved. Some will rise again to inherit eternal life, but some will rise again only to be condemned. Make sure that you are among Christ’s true disciples, so you can one day stand before Him without fear.
Questions
- What privileges do we have in Christ?
- What does Christ do for us?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the salvation of family, friends, and neighbours.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.