How does John 5:45 connect to the broader theme of faith in Scripture? Setting the Scene John 5:45: “Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope.” Why Moses Becomes the Accuser • The leaders claimed loyalty to Moses’ writings but ignored that those writings point to Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15; John 5:46). • By rejecting the One Moses foretold, they showed that their “hope” was not genuine faith but a confidence in possessing the law itself. • Thus the very Scriptures they trusted would testify against them (Romans 2:17–24). Faith Versus Reliance on Works • Scripture presents two distinct approaches: – Righteousness “from the law” that depends on perfect obedience (Leviticus 18:5; Romans 10:5). – Righteousness “by faith” that trusts God’s promise (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3, 23-25). • John 5:45 exposes the futility of self-reliance and calls listeners to the faith that receives Christ. The Continuous Thread of Faith in Scripture • Abraham believed God—“it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6-9). • Israel in the wilderness failed “because they were not united with those who listened in faith” (Hebrews 4:2). • Habakkuk’s word, “The righteous will live by faith,” is echoed in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11. • Hebrews 11 surveys saints who “gained approval through their faith,” not through flawless law-keeping. Christ as the Fulfillment • Moses foreshadowed “a prophet like me” (Deuteronomy 18:15); Jesus fulfills that prophecy. • The law served as a tutor “to lead us to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). • In John 5 Jesus insists that believing Moses logically leads to believing Him—the law and the prophets converge on the person of Christ. Living Out This Faith Today • Place confidence in Christ’s finished work, not in personal performance (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Let every Scripture reading point back to Jesus, just as Moses’ writings do (Luke 24:27). • Respond with the obedience that flows from faith (James 2:17; John 15:5), proving that trust in Christ has taken root. |
    |