What is the meaning of John 6:40? My Father’s will “For it is My Father’s will…” (John 6:40a) • Jesus reveals the heart of God. The Father’s desire is not hidden or uncertain; His will is clear and benevolent (John 6:37-39). • Scripture consistently shows that God wills salvation, not destruction (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 18:14). • When Jesus speaks, He does so in perfect unity with the Father (John 5:30; 4:34), assuring us that what follows carries divine authority and certainty. everyone who looks to the Son “…that everyone who looks to the Son…” (John 6:40b) • “Everyone” opens the door wide—no ethnic, social, or moral qualifiers (Romans 10:12-13). • “Looks” echoes the bronze serpent episode where a simple, believing gaze brought life (Numbers 21:8-9; John 3:14-15). • God’s invitation is universal, yet it centers exclusively on His Son (Isaiah 45:22; Hebrews 12:2). and believes in Him “…and believes in Him…” (John 6:40c) • Belief is more than mental assent; it is trust and personal reliance on Christ (John 1:12; Acts 16:31). • The verb is present, underscoring a continuing faith, not a one-time nod (Colossians 1:23). • Salvation is by grace through faith, excluding works yet producing them afterward (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:17). shall have eternal life “…shall have eternal life…” (John 6:40d) • “Shall have” is a promise, not a possibility—eternal life is received immediately upon faith (John 5:24). • Eternal life is both quality and duration: fellowship with God now and unending life hereafter (John 10:28; 1 John 5:11-13). • This gift rests on God’s unchanging character, securing our assurance (Titus 3:7; Hebrews 6:17-18). and I will raise him up at the last day “…and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40e) • Jesus repeats this pledge four times in John 6 (vv. 39, 40, 44, 54), stressing bodily resurrection. • The same Savior who grants life now will personally resurrect believers then (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:52). • “The last day” points to a definitive climax of history when Christ vindicates His people (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:6), confirming that our hope is anchored in a future event as certain as His past resurrection (Philippians 3:20-21). summary John 6:40 unfolds the Father’s gracious plan: He wills that all, without distinction, set their gaze on Jesus, place trust in Him, receive the gift of eternal life, and rest in the guarantee of bodily resurrection. Our confidence stands on God’s unwavering will, the Son’s perfect work, and the Spirit-given faith that unites us to Christ—today, tomorrow, and forever. |
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