How can belief in resurrection from John 5:28 impact daily Christian living? Gathering Around John 5:28 “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice”. Jesus speaks of a literal, future resurrection. That promise is meant to shape more than end-time expectations; it reshapes everyday life right now. Core Resurrection Realities • Guaranteed event: every grave will respond to Christ’s voice (John 5:28-29). • Physical in nature: bodies raised, not merely spirits (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). • Linked to judgment and reward: “those who have done good, to the resurrection of life” (John 5:29). • Anchored in Christ’s own resurrection (Romans 6:9). How This Belief Energizes Daily Living • Hope that steadies the heart – Suffering is temporary; glory is permanent (2 Corinthians 4:14-18). – Grief over death is real, yet not hopeless (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). • Motivation for holy choices – Knowing we will stand bodily before Christ urges purity now (1 John 3:2-3). – Everyday obedience gains eternal weight (Colossians 3:23-24). • Courage to witness – Fear of physical harm shrinks when resurrection life is certain (Matthew 10:28). – Urgency grows: everyone we meet will be raised and face Christ (Acts 24:15). • Endurance under pressure – “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). – Present losses are investments in forever joy (Hebrews 10:34-35). • Balanced view of the body – Bodies matter; they will be redeemed, not discarded (Philippians 3:20-21). – Stewardship of health, sexuality, and work all gain dignity (1 Corinthians 6:13-20). • Perspective on possessions – Resurrection reorders values: seek treasures that survive death (Matthew 6:19-21). – Generosity becomes logical, not risky (Luke 12:32-34). Walking It Out Today • Greet each morning with resurrection expectation—Christ may return, and bodies will rise. • Face temptation remembering the coming physical review before Jesus. • Comfort the grieving with concrete resurrection promises, quoting Scripture, not sentiment. • Serve in church and community, convinced every hidden act is recorded for resurrection reward. • Speak the gospel plainly; eternity is at stake for every listener. Belief in the resurrection promised in John 5:28 infuses daily life with hope, holiness, courage, endurance, stewardship, and mission—every sunrise becomes practice for the Day when graves open and Christ’s voice is heard by all. |