John 5:24-30 (Amplified Bible)
24I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life.
25Believe Me when I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the time is coming and is here now when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear it shall live.
26For even as the Father has life in Himself and is self-existent, so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself and be self-existent.
27And He has given Him authority and granted Him power to execute (exercise, practice) judgment because He is a Son of man [very man].
28Do not be surprised and wonder at this, for the time is coming when all those who are in the tombs shall hear His voice,
29And they shall come out--those who have practiced doing good [will come out] to the resurrection of [new] life, and those who have done evil will be raised for judgment [raised to meet their sentence].
30I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord--but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.
Believers already possess eternal life!
24…the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life… but he has already passed over out of death into life.
Again in John 17:3 –
John 17:3 (Amplified Bible)
3And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent.
As Believers, we are the Sons of God. We can experience eternal life beginning NOW! We do not have to wait until we die.
Somewhere, we have grown confused. Many think only of Heaven when they hear the words “eternal life.” Not so! Jesus, Himself, said (v 24) that we have already passed from death into life. The misunderstanding is in the definition (connotation) of “eternal life.” Eternal life does mean that eventually we will go to Heaven. Jesus said that He was leaving this world to prepare a place for us in that wondrous city. But in the Garden, while speaking to the Heavenly Father, Jesus defined eternal life (John 17:3).
Child of God, are you experiencing eternal life? Are you getting acquainted with God and Jesus through Prayer and Bible Study and Worship? Do you trust Him daily in the “small” areas of your life – in every area of your life? Do you ask Him for wisdom and revelation so that you might effectively serve Him by serving others?
Jesus said that everything in the Scripture hinged on two simple commandments:
Love God; Love People.
You can’t do either if you aren’t getting to know God and Jesus.
Verse 30 reminds me of another verse:
Philippians 4:13 (HCSB)
13 I am able to do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me.
**Lord Jesus, reveal Yourself to Me. I want to be holy. I want to serve You with all of my heart and mind and soul. I want to stay focused on You throughout my daily tasks. I want to be a witness in the Power of the Spirit. Use me, Lord. Reveal Yourself to me and use me. Here am I; send me. Amen.
