Passed From Death To Life
By Pastor Mitch
July 11, 2021
THE REALITY OF ETERNAL CONDEMNATION
Pastor was teaching at the recent combined Sunday School class about the penalty of sin. He explained that it is like having a spiritual “death sentence” on us (Rom. 6:23). In God’s court of law, if we sin against the Lord (unrepentant sinning), we can end up with condemnation…eternally. While the Lord Jesus offers salvation in Him, not everyone will receive it. Perhaps, many will reject the Lord Jesus and His forgiveness and redemption. Thus, they will stand before God’s judgment seat without a Saviour and the result is that they will perish for all eternity.
THE REALITY OF EVERLASTING LIFE
On the other hand, Pastor also explained about the reality of eternal life in heaven.
Most assuredly, I say to you he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life,…” John 5:24
This salvation in Christ does not come by the works of men but by faith.
- Hearing the word
It begins with the hearing the gospel of the Lord Jesus. It is hearing it, understanding it and embracing it. This would also include listening and knowing the teachings of the Lord Jesus.
- Having faith in the Lord
The conjunction “and” denotes the idea that hearing the word and having faith in the Lord go very much together. When we truly hear the word well, faith ought to follow. Our faith constitutes both believing in the Lord God and the Lord Jesus. When we genuinely believe, we will have eternal life in heaven. Whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
NO MORE ON THE ROAD TO JUDGMENT
And shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24
- No more fear of facing judgment
The most wonderful thing about having genuine faith in the Lord is that we shall no longer face judgment. The word “shall” denotes the idea that it will definitely happen. We are no longer under this spiritual “death sentence”. What a liberating and comforting thought!
- Moving from death to life
The phrase “has passed” in Greek has the idea of being changed from one state of being to another. When we have faith in the Lord, we will be changed from the state of facing judgment and about to experience eternal death to being saved and having the state of everlasting life. When this happens, the effect of this salvation is meant to continue to impact our life.
As I reflect on this, I am certain of the truth that the Lord will judge all men one day. But I am also certain that I have come to believe in God and in the Lord Jesus and I am passed from death to life. I have full assurance in Christ and have this glorious hope in heaven. Young people, are you facing the prospect of eternal condemnation or have you come to have everlasting life? Let’s be certain of our faith in God and the Lord Jesus. Let’s seek to be born again and be passed from death to life.
