Anchor My Faith

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Author: Stephen Weller
1,141 words, 6 minutes read time

Passing From Death To Life

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life. (John 5:24 ESV)

Leading up to this verse Jesus referred to God as his Father, thus claiming to be equal with God. He speaks of doing what he sees his Father doing and is loved by him. The Father states that Jesus will perform many great works to cause many to marvel, like raising the dead and giving life to those he chooses. All judgment will be given to him as salvation is obtain by grace through faith in him. Judgment is determined based on your relationship to Jesus. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36 ESV).

These are the words in the immediate context that are spoken of in this verse, and he who hears them and believes that the Father sent Jesus has eternal life. In John 8:51 (ESV), Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” Hearing leads to belief which is validated by works. Many things have been written so that we “may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing [we] may have life in his name” (John 20:31 ESV).

The law demands the death penalty for our sin, but through the death of Jesus, justice is served, and we are declared free of our debt and will “not come into judgment.” As a result of Adam’s disobedience, he died spiritually which would result in all of his offspring being born spiritually dead to one day stand before the judgment of the Great White Throne. Those who by grace through faith in Jesus obtain eternal life have “passed from death to life.” One evidence of that life is found in 1 John 3:14 ESV: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”

The love that validates our faith is expressed in our good works. Through spiritual birth, “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV). To walk in them, we must abide in Jesus Christ and they will produce much fruit (John 15:5). Let us learn to devote ourselves to good works, “so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14), and “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

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Summary Theme

From Death to Life Through Hearing and Believing in Christ

Summary Paragraph

In John 5:24, Jesus declares a foundational truth of the gospel: eternal life is granted immediately to those who hear His word and believe in the One who sent Him. This verse emphasizes the present reality of salvation, not merely a future hope, but a current possession. The believer is assured that they will not face condemnation because they have already passed from spiritual death into spiritual life. This transition is not achieved by human effort but is the result of faith in Christ and trust in the Father’s redemptive plan. It highlights the authority of Jesus to give life and the certainty of salvation for those who respond in faith.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does it mean to “hear” Jesus’ word in John 5:24?
   Answer:
   To “hear” Jesus’ word goes beyond simply listening with one’s ears; it implies receiving, understanding, and responding in faith. In the biblical sense, hearing is often synonymous with obedience and trust. Jesus is referring to those who truly receive His message about Himself, His identity as the Son of God and Savior, and accept it as truth. This kind of hearing leads to a transformed heart and a life aligned with God’s will.
2. What is the significance of believing “him who sent” Jesus?
   Answer:
   Believing in the One who sent Jesus, the Father, affirms that Jesus’ mission is divinely ordained. It recognizes that salvation is part of God’s eternal plan and that Jesus is the appointed means through which that plan is fulfilled. Faith in the Father cannot be separated from faith in the Son, as the two are united in purpose and essence. This belief acknowledges God’s authority and trustworthiness in providing salvation through Christ.
3. How does this verse describe the present reality of eternal life?
   Answer:
   Jesus uses present tense language, “has eternal life,” to indicate that eternal life is not only a future promise but a current possession for the believer. This means that the moment a person believes, they enter into a new spiritual reality characterized by a restored relationship with God. Eternal life includes both the quality of life (knowing God) and the assurance of everlasting existence with Him.
4. What does it mean that a believer “does not come into judgment”?
   Answer:
   This phrase assures believers that they are no longer under the condemnation that results from sin. While all people are accountable to God, those who trust in Christ are justified, declared righteous, because of His atoning work. The judgment for their sin has already been borne by Jesus, so they are spared from eternal condemnation. This provides deep assurance and peace for the believer.
5. What is meant by passing “from death to life”?
   Answer:
   This phrase describes a spiritual transformation. “Death” refers to separation from God due to sin, while “life” refers to a restored relationship with Him through Christ. This transition happens at the moment of genuine faith and marks the beginning of a new existence under God’s grace. It is a decisive, irreversible change that defines the believer’s new identity in Christ.
6. How does John 5:24 provide assurance of salvation?
   Answer:
   The verse offers strong assurance by stating clear conditions (hearing and believing) and definitive results (having eternal life, no condemnation, and passing into life). There is no ambiguity in Jesus’ promise. Those who meet these conditions can be confident in their salvation because it rests on Christ’s authority and God’s faithfulness, not on human effort or performance.
7. How should this truth impact a believer’s daily life?
   Answer:
   Understanding that one has already passed from death to life should produce confidence, gratitude, and a desire to live in obedience to Christ. It frees the believer from fear of condemnation and motivates a life of worship, service, and proclamation of the gospel. This assurance also encourages perseverance, knowing that one’s eternal destiny is secure in Christ.