The end or the beginning?

John 5:21-29
This week marks the end of the church year. The final verses of our text also include an end statement. Jesus said, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out.” It may surprise some to hear that all people will rise from the dead some day. As believing Christians, that shouldnʼt surprise us. But Jesus adds a little extra. “… those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” Everyone, you and me, will be brought back to life for the purpose of standing trial before Jesus. Youʼre good with that? It shouldnʼt be a scary experience because Jesus said that those who had done “good” will rise to enjoy an eternal life of happiness. Wouldnʼt your neighbours and friends describe you as good? I suppose many of us will say that we did good things in our lives, so whatʼs the problem. The bad ones will get what they deserve. Sounds fair. Maybe we should ask what Jesus meant by “good.” His standard for good may be a lot different from ours – just as a parentʼs standard for a clean room is usually much different from a childʼs view. To do good, as Jesus explains it, is to obey Godʼs commands. Of course, we should add here that Jesus expects these commands to be obeyed perfectly, all the time. Perhaps we are not as “good” as we would like to think. God isnʼt trying to scare us with these words; just prepare us. And you are prepared if, thanks to the Holy Spirit, you have put your faith in Jesus. For He has covered all your sins and given you credit for all the good He did. Godʼs gift of grace grasped through faith.

Pastor Darryl