John 5:24 AMP
[24] “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life.
Jesus had healed a man who was ill for thirty eight years. The Jewish leaders at the time did not like the fact that the healing had taken place on the Sabbath day. It was even made worse by the fact that the man who was healed went on to declare to them that it was Jesus who healed him, and Jesus too was calling God His own Father, which means He was making Himself equal with God. As much as we know that this angered the Jews at the time, we also know that all of the claims of Jesus were true. Indeed, He is the Son of God and the One who saves us from all our sin. By and through Him, we receive life, peace and merxy to live right and please Him.
The audience at the time included the Jewish leaders, a lot of people, the man who had been healed, and His disciples. Jesus took the opportunity to teach the audience about the principles and practices of His kingdom, and how the people could relate to and enjoy the benefits and blessings of the kingdom. It must be made clear that though God invites us all to be a part of His kingdom, He has rules of engagement that those who want to come in must adhere to. That is why the verse above starts with 'any person'. It does not matter what my past looks like; it matters what I do from here onwards. Anyone can come in; it is he who does what is right that stays in.
The invitation also means that we will all hear. We will all have access to the Truth, and we have the power of the choice of response. Not all who come have an interest in hesring; some just come because it is the popular movement at the time. Not all who hear also heed and obey; some do not want anything to challenge their comfort and convenience. They would rather blend in and stay quiet. There are others that the Word will touch and lead to change, leading to believing and trusting in God. This is the ultimate desire of God for all who come in contact with Him. He is the Light that gives Life to all who come to Him. Have I truly believed, and am I trusting in God?
The end game is eternal life with God. As the verse above makes clear, this is the Life that actually begins at the point where the person is transformed. Such a person has already taken hold of eternal life, and had passed on from death to Life. Such a person does not come into judgment and condemnation. The curse of sin is broken; the spring of life is well and truly open, and the Light and Life of God are made manifest in such a life. What an awesome privilege, but also a sobering awareness of what is expected of me. When you consider all that Jesus has secured for all of us, it is important to note that an account will be demanded from all of us. What would yours look like? What would mine? God's time of favour is here.
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