January 3 What Have You Done?

John 5:28-30 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out – those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”
 
JESUS teaches the remarkable picture of a mass resurrection one day. All who have died in the world’s history will rise! In this unimaginable miracle, three things will happen.
   First, all the dead will hear Jesus’ call us out of the grave. This will be in the same manner Jesus spoke to Lazarus, who was four days dead in a tomb: John 11:43 Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Whether we are physically dead for four days or four millenniums, our physical bodies will hear the Son of Man’s command to rise.
   Second, God will separate those who have done evil and those who have done good. Now, this may confuse us as Jesus just taught in the previous passage: John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” Here and in many New Testament scriptures we learn our faith in Christ, not our works in the law, is the reason for our salvation. 
   Jesus, though, refers to the “work” of belief or disbelief. Jesus will judge to eternal condemnation people who have done a “work” of rebellion, rejecting the gospel. Jesus will call to heaven people who have done a “work” of faith, receiving the gospel.
   Third, Jesus confirms again that his work is in unity with the Father and Spirit. He knows what pleases the Father because the Spirit has given him such wisdom. His ministry is Spirit-empowered, Father-pleasing to speak and do the truth. Jesus shows us true faith as he worked in the Father’s will.
   His faithful work continues today. Jesus is our mediator to open the pathway of forgiveness unto eternal salvation. He has come. He has spoken. His work on earth is done. His work in heaven continues as he intercedes for us before the Father until Jesus calls from the dead.
   What have you done? Have you rejected Jesus or received Jesus? Prepare now before he cries, “Come out of that grave.”
 
Prayer: Save me, Lord, from my sins. I confess you are my Lord, Savior and Resurrection. I await the day of your return with grand hope and expectation! In Jesus’ name I rejoice. Amen.