Why should you believe in Jesus?
In John 5:24–29, Jesus gives two compelling reasons. First, He has life in Himself and is able to give spiritual life to those who are dead in their sins. Second, He has been given authority to judge the living and the dead. One day, every person will hear His voice—either as the voice that called them to life through the gospel or as the voice that summons them to stand before His judgment seat.
This passage calls us to hear Christ's voice today, believe in Him for eternal life, and examine ourselves in light of the coming judgment. It also comforts every believer with the assurance that those who trust in Christ have already passed from death to life and will not come into judgment.
Sermon Outline
Big Idea: Believe in Jesus because He has life in Himself and will judge the living and the dead.
1. Believe in Jesus because He has life in Himself (John 5:25–26)
Jesus possesses life in Himself as the eternal Son of God.
He gives spiritual life to those who hear His voice today.
He will one day raise every person bodily from the grave.
2. Believe in Jesus because He will judge the living and the dead (John 5:24, 27–29)
Jesus has been given authority to execute judgment.
Those who trust in Him have eternal life and will not come into judgment.
The final judgment will reveal the reality of our faith through the fruit of our lives.
Therefore, examine yourself and look to Christ alone for salvation.
Study Questions
According to John 20:31, why did John write his Gospel?
What does it mean that Jesus has "life in Himself" (John 5:26)?
How is God's self-existence different from our dependence upon Him?
What is the "hour... now here" in John 5:25 referring to?
Who are "the dead" in verse 25, and how do they come to life?
What is the relationship between hearing Christ's voice and believing the gospel?
What future event is described in John 5:28–29?
Why has the Father given Jesus authority to judge (John 5:27; Daniel 7:13–14)?
How do verses 24 and 29 fit together? How are we saved by faith while still being judged according to our works?
How do James 2:17 and Galatians 5:6 help explain the relationship between faith and good works?
Which application challenged you most: hearing Christ's voice today, preparing for the resurrection, examining your faith, or resting in Christ's promise of eternal life?
How does this passage both warn the complacent and comfort the believer?