What does "the dead will hear" in John 5:25 mean for believers today? The Setting in John 5 “ ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.’ ” (John 5:25) Jesus is speaking in Jerusalem after healing the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. Challenged for working on the Sabbath, He declares His authority as the Son, equal with the Father, and introduces two “hours”: • A present hour—already “has now come.” • A future hour—explained in verses 28-29 when “all who are in the tombs will hear His voice.” John 5:25 focuses on the present, spiritual dimension; John 5:28-29 on the future, bodily resurrection. Who Are “the Dead”? Scripture uses “dead” in two complementary ways: 1. Physically dead—bodies in the grave (John 11:43-44; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). 2. Spiritually dead—alive biologically yet separated from God because of sin (Ephesians 2:1-5). In John 5:25 Jesus speaks of the second group. He addresses living people who are spiritually lifeless—unable to know God—until His voice awakens them. How Do the Dead Hear? • The voice is Christ’s own word, carried by the Spirit (John 6:63). • Hearing is more than sound; it is responsive faith (Romans 10:17). • Those who “hear” are instantly made alive—regenerated—sharing in Christ’s life (Ephesians 2:5; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Implications for Believers Today Assurance of New Life • If you have responded in faith, you were once dead but now live eternally (1 John 5:12-13). • This life is present—“has now come”—not postponed until heaven. Confidence in Evangelism • The spiritually dead are not beyond hope; the same voice still speaks through Scripture and the gospel message (Hebrews 4:12). • Our task is to proclaim; Christ makes the dead hear and live (2 Corinthians 4:5-6). Anticipation of Bodily Resurrection • Spiritual life today guarantees physical resurrection tomorrow (John 5:28-29; Romans 8:11). • Because we already live in Him, death no longer holds ultimate power (John 11:25-26). Transformation of Daily Living • Those made alive walk in newness of life, leaving the practices of death behind (Romans 6:4, 11-13). • We listen continually to His voice through Scripture, prayer, and obedience (John 10:27). Living Out the Promise • Rest in the certainty that Christ’s word has already moved you from death to life (John 5:24). • Share the gospel boldly, trusting the same voice to awaken others. • Cultivate ears tuned to Scripture; the one who raised you will keep speaking guidance and comfort. • Face physical death without fear, knowing resurrection life is already yours and will soon be complete (Philippians 3:20-21). |
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