What is the meaning of John 5:29? Context John 5:28–29 unfolds during Jesus’ discourse about His authority. He has just claimed equality with the Father and announced that “a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice” (v. 28). The statement in verse 29 explains what happens next—every human being will literally rise to face one of two destinies. Compare Daniel 12:2, Acts 24:15, and Revelation 20:12–13 for the same twofold resurrection promise. Resurrection Assured • “And come out” (v. 29) declares an actual bodily resurrection for all people, not merely a spiritual awakening. • Jesus’ voice has creative power (John 1:3; 11:43–44). The same command that called Lazarus will summon every grave to yield its occupant. • Resurrection is universal: believers and unbelievers alike appear (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who have done good • The phrase describes a life marked by faith-produced obedience. Scripture never teaches salvation by works, yet genuine faith inevitably bears fruit (Ephesians 2:8–10; James 2:17). • “Done good” aligns with “practices the truth” (John 3:21) and “does the will of My Father” (Matthew 7:21). It evidences a heart regenerated by grace. Resurrection of life • Believers are raised to share Christ’s eternal life, free from sin, sorrow, and death (Revelation 21:4; 1 Corinthians 15:42–54). • This resurrection secures entrance into the kingdom prepared “from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). • The reward is not earned but graciously granted to those in Christ (Romans 6:23). Those who have done evil • The phrase depicts a settled pattern of unbelief and rebellion (John 3:19–20; Romans 2:8). • “Evil” here includes both overt sin and the sin of rejecting Christ’s salvation (John 8:24). • A life devoid of repentance exposes a heart unchanged by grace. Resurrection of judgment • Unbelievers are raised to face final sentencing before the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11–15). • The judgment is righteous, individual, and irreversible (Hebrews 9:27; Romans 2:5–6). • Eternal separation in the lake of fire is the sober counterpart to eternal life (Matthew 25:46). summary John 5:29 teaches that Jesus will literally summon every person from the grave. Faith-transformed lives rise to eternal life; unrepentant lives rise to eternal judgment. The verse underscores both the certainty of resurrection and the decisive importance of responding to Christ in this present life. |
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