By Stewart Holloway
You are going to die.
You can live forever.
Both statements are true, but the first is certainly made more palpable by the second! During the message I shared with my church recently, we looked at John 5:19-30 as we considered Jesus’ claims of himself. We concluded that because Jesus is Who He says He is you can have everlasting life and avoid condemnation.
Jesus’ bold claim in this passage is that He is equal with the Father. Such a powerful claim has powerful implications.
First, it means Jesus has the power to give us life (v. 21) – life both now and later!
Second, it means Jesus has the authority to judge us (vv. 22-23). Verse 24 reminds us that how you are judged then depends on what you do with Jesus now. Not only can you have life now and later. But your now determines your later. This life determines that life. This life determines eternity.
There are three facts about the final judgment that come out clearly in this passage:
There will be life after death.
Every person will be affected by the judgment.
Humanity will fall into two, and only two, categories – saved and condemned.
Into which category do you fall?
Do you believe Jesus is Who He says He is?
Are you willing to bet your eternity on Jesus?
You can determine your destiny by trusting Jesus Christ today!
Stewart Holloway is pastor of First Baptist Church in Pineville.
