What is the meaning of John 5:24? Truly, truly, I tell you Jesus prefaces His statement with a double “truly” (amen), a solemn guarantee. • He is underscoring absolute reliability—similar to John 3:3 and 3:5, where the same phrase introduces non-negotiable truths. • Because it is Christ Himself speaking with divine authority (Matthew 28:18), every word that follows carries the weight of heaven. whoever hears My word “Hears” is more than catching sound; it is receptive hearing that leads to response (Matthew 7:24-25). • John 8:47 reminds us that those who are “of God” hear God’s words. • The scope is universal—“whoever.” No one is barred by background, failures, or social standing (Revelation 22:17). and believes Him who sent Me Belief is directed toward “Him who sent Me,” affirming the Father’s initiative in salvation (John 3:16-17). • To believe the Father is to believe the Son, because the Father testifies about the Son (John 6:29; 1 John 5:10-12). • Genuine faith is personal trust, not mere intellectual assent, producing obedience (James 2:23). has eternal life Notice the present tense: eternal life is a current possession, not just a future hope (John 6:47; 1 John 5:13). • Eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son (John 17:3). • It begins now and stretches unendingly, guaranteeing fellowship, joy, and security (Psalm 16:11). and will not come under judgment Those united to Christ bypass the condemnation reserved for unbelief (John 3:18). • Romans 8:1 echoes this promise: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • Final judgment still occurs (2 Corinthians 5:10), but it is evaluation for reward, not a trial for guilt. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life A decisive past action: the believer “has crossed over.” • Spiritual death—separation from God (Ephesians 2:1)—is replaced by life through union with Christ (Colossians 2:13). • This transfer parallels 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers.” Love becomes evidence of the move. summary Jesus’ words in John 5:24 assure every responsive listener that hearing and believing bring an immediate, permanent gift—eternal life—free from condemnation and rooted in a completed passage from spiritual death into vibrant, unending life with God. |
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