John 5:28-30 Jesus judges men’s heart regardless of their religious affiliations

John 5:28-30 Jesus judges men’s heart regardless of their religious affiliations

“Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 5:28-30

Background

Jesus reminded the Jewish leaders of the judgment that awaits every man and woman; all will be judged regardless of their social standing, race or religion. And Jesus is that Judge that God has appointed and He has the authority to decide who will be resurrected to eternal life in heaven and who will be condemned. Jesus pointed that the criterion of His judgment will be based on the words He spoke and the principles He stood for.

Observation

“… for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth.” 

At the end of the age, every person who is dead or alive will hear the voice of Jesus. All will be resurrected from death to stand before Him. He will judge every person according to the posture of their hearts, and deeds done while they were alive. Those who did good deeds will enter into eternal life in heaven and those who did evil will enter into condemnation in hell.

“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” 

Although the Father has given Jesus complete authority, Jesus’s judgment is based on the principles of the Father. And His judgment is impeccable and just as He has complete knowledge of every person’s heart. The criterion for judgment was spoken in Jesus’ teachings and the values that He stood for. Hence, we must read the gospels carefully and understand Christ’s teachings and walk in them.

Truth

The believers’ focus is not to acquire religious knowledge or do religious works per se, but to purify their hearts.

God judges the secrets and values of a person’s heart; not on how much knowledge he had, or how religious he was. A person’s heart is revealed by his deeds and the words he spoke. Jesus said, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45. The good works here refers to a lifestyle that flows out of a genuine heart of repentance and dependence on God.

There is no fear of judgement for those who are humble and gracious towards others.

For those who walk in love and obedience to God, there is no fear when the day of judgment comes. 1 John 4:15-18 says, “By confessing Jesus is the Son of God, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment… There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” Because of God’s perfect love, we are free to approach God unafraid that He may punish us. God loves those who desire to do His will even though they may fail in many occasions.

Application

1.  Let your words and your deeds be covered with love. Treat your enemies with grace and truth, do not act with impulsive anger and you will be honored. People may not see your heart or the good deeds done in secret, but God has complete knowledge and will reward you on the day of judgment. Hence, let your private and public life be consistent with the principle of love and purity.

2.  Always come boldly before the Judge of grace and truth in times of weakness and need. In love, He reveals to us the secrets of our hearts so that we may see ourselves. By His grace He forgives us and turns us from our disobedience to walk in His will. He does not punish us because of our weaknesses, or withhold His favor because of our immaturity. The more we come to Him, the more we are changed by His truth and grace.

Dear Lord, I thank you that I am now Your child because of what Jesus has done for me on the cross. And Your love for me is everlasting, unconditional and unchanging. Hence, I can approach You even at the point of failure and darkness which I will receive empathy and strength from Your Spirit. I will treasure your teachings in my heart and live according to it. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.