John 5:21-47

John 5:21-30 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Immediately, at the time of accepting Christ, Jesus gives us eternal life. We’ve already crossed over from death to life. This life doesn’t end because it comes with Jesus’ promise that we won’t be judged. If we’ve received Christ we are free from God’s condemnation. Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Where Jesus said “those who have done what is good” – that means have chosen Christ. To “do evil” is to reject Christ. Eternity holds no second chances.

John 5: 31-47 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

Where Jesus said if he testified about Himself it wasn’t true. That refers to the Law of Moses which required 2 testimonies in a court of law. You couldn’t have just 1 person’s word. So He gave more. “There is another” refers to God the Father. When Jesus was baptized God’s voice said “this is My Son whom I love. With Him I am well pleased” – He repeated these words at the Transfiguration. And God also spoke of His Son in the Old Testament. The entire Old Testament pointed to Jesus as the fulfillment to prophecy.

He also mentioned John the Baptists testimony. And then His own works.

But the religious leaders shut their minds to the truth. “You refuse to come to Me to have life.” Knowledge of Scripture isn’t good enough. You have to apply it. Obey it. Believe it! And you have to love God! To put Him first. To have His opinion of you mean more then other people’s opinion of you.