The Year of our Lord, Jesus Christ
John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
The sixth Verily, verily teaching contains four parts.
…He that heareth my word. Not with the ears but with the heart, the soul, the innermost being of understanding through faith.
…and believeth on him that sent me. God the Father sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sins of the entire human race.
…hath everlasting life. A life that cannot ever end.
…and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Everlasting life is the opposite of condemnation which is everlasting death.
That such a profound statement of fact has been given to the world is amazing. This is the greatest news in all the world. Yet, as a percentage of the worldwide population probably a small percentage have ever read or even heard this great truth. Sometimes news readers warn their watchers that the popular news stories of the day are very much like the boxer’s “rope a dope” maneuver. By watching for one punch, another punch comes in from nowhere to knock the opponent out. News stories are said to be this. While the attention of the audience is on one thing, something non-important to the overall scheme of things, another more important and transformative thing is happening, but the world’s attention is focused elsewhere.
Concerning the truth of this one verse, this Verily, verily teaching of Christ. Everything in life seems to want to overshadow the Lord’s promise. Earning a living, the cost of everything, the political climate, entertainment of all sorts, danger, wars, careers, family obligations, and such clamor for an inordinate amount of attention. Who is popular, has the greatest social media following, tragic human-interest stories, these and other transient issues cry for the world’s undivided attention.
Consider the perspective. The cost of fuel or everlasting life? Yes, things of earth must be considered, but so too should the great truths of God’s Holy Word. Especially His truth about eternal life. Truth like this sixth Verily, verily statement.
Until next time,
William T. Howe, Ph.D.