John 5:25-29

Introduction:

1. Again, we couple these two terms because of their inseparable linkage.

2. The NT plainly teaches a fixed day when God will raise the dead and render judgment upon all according to how we live our lives.

3. The decree is irreversible, making faithfulness our only aim (Luke 16:19-31).

Discussion:

I. What It Means

A. Resurrection: “a standing up again, rising from death” (Strong)

B. Judgment: “a judicial sentence” (Mounce); “condemnation of wrong, the sentence of a judge” (Thayer)

C. Judge: “to make a distinction between, call to account” (Mounce)

II. What It Teaches About God and Humanity

A. The cruelty of our fallen world has destroyed the faith of many as it appears evil is winning out (cf. Psalms 73:1-14).

B. However, the resurrection and judgment pull back the curtain and reveal the end of the drama (Psalms 73:15-28; John 5:25-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

C. God is longsuffering, merciful, gracious, etc., but He is also just, righteous, holy, etc. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 89:14; Isaiah 45:21; Zephaniah 3:5).

D. He will avenge all wrongs and reward the righteous (Ecclesiastes 3:17; 12:13-14; Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 10:28-30; Romans 2:5-11).

E. No one is exempt (John 5:25-29; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).

III. How These Truths Should Shape Our Lives

A. First, and critical to what follows, knowing God will put things right in the end should increase our trust in Him (Galatians 6:7-9).

B. Knowing that we will keep this appointment should prompt repentance and faithfulness (John 5:24; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Hebrews 10:28-36).

C. It should also provide encouragement in the face of trials as we strive to serve Him (Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10).

Conclusion:

1. A key reason we need God’s revelation is to illuminate what is really going on in our world.

2. Knowing how the story ends enables us to look past the difficult chapters and empowers us to serve Him faithfully anyway.

3. May we keep these realities in plain view, so that we do not lose heart, remembering our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).