In John 5 verses 27-29, Jesus describes His role as our judge. In the preceding two verses He referred to Himself as the Son of God who can right now offer spiritual life to those dead in their sins if they will simply respond to His voice calling them to faith. But here, as He describes a future occasion when His voice will call all those who have died physically to either a “resurrection of life” or a “resurrection of condemnation,” He says His authority to execute this judgment is on the basis of what the Father has given Him as the Son of Man. And this change in title is worth noting.
Jesus is both Son of God and Son of Man. He is fully divine and fully human. And this is what uniquely qualifies Him to be both eternal-life-giver, and judge. As Son of God, He personally paid the penalty for our sin so we could have the payment of His suffering and death applied to our record by faith. And as Son of Man, He victoriously stared down every kind of temptation and has first-hand knowledge of every form of human experience so that as judge, He alone has the righteous authority to administer it.
When those who have refused to receive His offer of salvation during their lifetimes stand before Him on that future day of judgment, there will be no excuse, no alibi, no defense. But if you’re hearing me say this, that doesn’t have to be your story.
In verse 29, there’s a very wonderful and hope-filled use of two different Greek words that are often translated by the same English word, “done,” or “did.” Jesus says that the resurrections of life and condemnation are the result of having “done” good or “done” evil. But, He’s not saying that a person’s eternal destiny is based on whether or not they’ve racked up sufficient good-works points. Ephesian 2:8 & 9 make this crystal clear.
The word translated, “done,” in the first instance describes a one-time act. In the second, the word is about something habitually done. The Lord is saying that with one act, placing our faith in His saving grace, we can insure our “resurrection to life” and wipe out the consequences habitually turning our backs on Him.
Now that’s good news! If you haven’t yet, receive it. And if you have, share it.