John 5:25-31

Preparing for Eternity

Do you believe that our life here on earth is temporary?

There is a time for everything (Ecc. 3:1-3)

We all have limited time on earth and therefore it is necessary to prepare for a life after death.

In this passage, Jesus talks about “resurrection” or “pagkabanhaw” which means “return to life after having died”.

The resurrection is a central event and foundation for Christians. This is what separates Christianity from other religions. We have hope to live forevermore!

Without the resurrection our living would be tragic. (1 Cor. 15:12-19)

But because Jesus lives forevermore, we can be sure that those who believe in Christ will be resurrected too.

I pray that our study of this passage, will help us prepare for eternity while we are still in this world because once we die, that is it! What happens after a person dies? According to Heb. 9:27, “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment”.

To prepare for eternity, we need to know who has the authority to judge a person where he or she goes after death.

I. The Authority to Execute Judgement (vv. 25-27)

Jesus is the one who gives life

Jesus is the one who judge

The testimony of Jesus is true because the Father testifies about Him.

The Two Resurrections (vv. 28-29)

Jesus will exercise his justice and will judge each person.

1. Good deeds = The resurrection of the life

2. Evil deeds = The resurrection of Judgment

Illustration: Rev. 20:4-6 , Rev. 20:11-15

It is a sad reality that there are some people who don’t believe in the resurrection of the dead and because of that they have not prepared for eternity. They have not believed in Jesus and they have continued living their lives thinking that there are no consequences to their sins and evil deeds.

How to Prepare for Eternity

When you hear the Gospel, do not harden you heart.

By faith, repent of your sins and believe in Jesus as the Lord as the savior of your life!

3. Tell other people so that they can prepare for eternity too!

Brethren, if you have heard the Gospel and have believed in Jesus and are living in the Light, tell those who are in darkness that they have to prepare when they still have time. They have to believe in Jesus and repent from their evil deeds!