John 5:27-29 (ESV)
“And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”
This entire discourse in John 5 must have been maddening to the Pharisees and pious Jews in Jesus’ audience. In explaining his relationship to the Father, he not only claims direct access and lineage, but equality as well. Imagine a man entering into your church service this Sunday, taking to the pulpit, and making similar claims. Would you think him to be a madman? Most likely. Would your anger swell as his claims became more outrageous? Probably. Would your pastor allow him to keep going, or would he direct others to remove him from the platform? I’m sure he would act swiftly. This was not the case when Jesus made his case for divinity in the Temple complex.
Somehow, The Jews knew that court was in session.
Many people had seen the signs while still more had heard about them from credible witnesses, like the man from the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus taught as one who had authority (Mt. 7:29) and had spent his life gaining favor with God and man (Lk. 2:52). In every interaction with the Jews, Jesus always had the upper hand in his knowledge of the Scriptures as well as his ability to apply them, but perhaps most importantly, he knew what was in their hearts and minds and communicated accordingly. Most people today reject his claims and teachings, but that won’t always be the case. Eventually, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:11).
Jesus explains the coming resurrection of the dead—of every person that has ever lived—of all who have done evil as well as all who have done good. Australian scholar and theologian Leon Morris explains that, “This does not mean that salvation is on the basis of good works, for this very Gospel makes it plain over and over again that men enter eternal life when they believe on Jesus Christ. But the lives they live form the test of the faith they profess.” This is an important distinction that cannot be overstated. Our lives are to be a testimony to the power of our salvation.
If you are born again, you will never face a Heavenly court of law to determine your guilt or innocence, as that issue has been handled definitely and permanently, Praise God! But for those who have died in their sin without a Savior, they will not escape accountability in the grave. C.S. Lewis once said that “you have never talked to a mere mortal” and because of that, all of humanity can be classified as “immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.” Condemned or Forgiven. Heaven or Hell. We all would do well to remember that, and respond accordingly…to the Father, as well as to the lost.
