What role does faith play in achieving the outcomes described in John 5:29? The Resurrection Outcomes in Jesus’ Words “and they will come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:29) Why Faith Sits at the Center • Scripture consistently ties eternal destiny to believing in the Son: – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) – “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (John 3:36) • Faith unites us to Christ, whose righteousness God counts as ours (Romans 3:28). • Good works mentioned in John 5:29 flow from faith; they aren’t independent achievements (Ephesians 2:8-10). Faith Produces the “Good” that Leads to Life • The new birth: Faith receives the new heart promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27, empowering genuine obedience. • Fruit-bearing: – “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” (James 2:17) – Living faith naturally expresses itself in good works—evidence, not cause, of salvation. • Perseverance: Trust in Christ sustains lifelong holiness, ensuring the believer can be described as one who “has done good.” Faith Shields from the “Resurrection of Judgment” • Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). • Rejecting the Son leaves a person under wrath (John 3:36), positioning them for the resurrection of judgment. • At the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) faith-grounded righteousness stands, while unbelief is exposed. Faith and Final Resurrection—A Cause-and-Effect Summary 1. Hear the gospel. 2. Believe in the Son. 3. Receive new life and the indwelling Spirit. 4. Bear good works that testify to genuine faith. 5. Enter the resurrection of life when Christ calls the dead forth. Living Out Faith Now • Daily lean on Christ, not personal merit. • Feed faith through Scripture, fellowship, and obedience. • Expect the Spirit to keep shaping works that match the destiny already secured in Christ (John 6:40). |
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