How can believers ensure they are among "those who have done good"? Setting the Scene “Do not marvel at this, for a time 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.” (John 5:28-29) Jesus draws a stark line between two groups. The pressing issue is not merely knowing about the resurrection but making sure we stand among “those who have done good.” The Foundation: Good Begins with New Birth • Salvation is by grace through faith, never by human effort. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Yet genuine faith always produces a transformed life. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) • Therefore, to be among those who have done good, one must first be born again (John 3:3) and united to Christ. Essential Steps for Living as One Who “Has Done Good” 1. Cling to Christ daily • Jesus: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) • Abiding means consistent fellowship in prayer and the Word. 2. Obey His commandments • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Obedience is not legalism; it is love expressed in action. 3. Cultivate Spirit-produced character • “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) • These qualities display the “good” God recognizes. 4. Do tangible acts of service • Jesus commends those who feed the hungry, welcome strangers, and visit the sick (Matthew 25:34-36). • “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” (1 Peter 4:10) 5. Pursue holiness and resist sin • “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) • Regular confession and repentance keep the conscience clean. 6. Persevere to the end • “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) • Endurance proves the reality of faith (Matthew 24:13). Practical Habits That Keep Us on Course • Daily Scripture intake—letting God’s Word renew the mind (Psalm 119:11). • Consistent fellowship—strengthening one another in the church (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Intentional generosity—using resources for kingdom purposes (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Active watchfulness—examining motives and actions (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Regular remembrance of the gospel—celebrating the Lord’s Supper and preaching the cross to ourselves. Guarding Against False Assurance • Mere religious activity cannot substitute for heartfelt obedience (Matthew 7:21-23). • Knowledge without love remains empty (1 Corinthians 13:2). • Ongoing, unrepentant sin exposes a counterfeit profession (1 John 3:9-10). Living with Confidence and Hope “Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11) As we trust Christ, walk in His Spirit, and devote ourselves to the good works God prepared for us, we can look ahead to the resurrection with joyful assurance—confident that we will stand among “those who have done good” and enter the resurrection of life. |
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