So You May Believe

The New American Commentary: John 12–21 (6) The Main Purpose Statement of the Gospel and the Initial Conclusion (20:30–31)

These twenty chapters of John are a masterpiece of literary construction. They are artistically designed like a symphony yet pointedly focused; simplistically worded for the reader yet intensely complex in meaning; and dramatically engaging in the stories yet very deliberate in the speech presentation. The Gospel is a marvel of inspired writing. And its concluding two verses sum up its purpose in what has to be one of the great classic summations of biblical literature.

So you may believe. This is the reason John wrote his gospel. He strongly attests to the deity of Christ. His gospel has long been a starting place for evangelizing unbelievers. The Greek grammar of John’s gospel has been described as simple and clear. The irony is its Theology and themes are deep, complex in nature. Listen to Gerald Berchart’s description of John in his commentary,

The New American Commentary: John 12–21 (6) The Main Purpose Statement of the Gospel and the Initial Conclusion (20:30–31)

These twenty chapters of John are a masterpiece of literary construction. They are artistically designed like a symphony yet pointedly focused; simplistically worded for the reader yet intensely complex in meaning; and dramatically engaging in the stories yet very deliberate in the speech presentation. The Gospel is a marvel of inspired writing. And its concluding two verses sum up its purpose in what has to be one of the great classic summations of biblical literature.95

300 Quotations for Preachers One Sure Guide to Truth

There is one sure and infallible guide to truth, and therefore one, and only one, corrective for error, and that is the Word of God.

G. CAMPBELL MORGAN

I) The miracles of the Lord Jesus were recorded so we may believe (30-31).

Believe what?

B

Believe he is the Christ, the Son of God (v. 30).

a) We are informed by John that the risen Christ did many other signs (σημεια) that are not recorded in the gospel of John. At most this speaks of signs that Jesus performed during the entirety of his earthly ministry. At a minimum it refers to the signs that Jesus performed post-resurrection, prior to ascending to the right hand of Father. Regardless of how narrow or broad the time period, John is only recording a portion of Jesus’ miraculous works. So, the record in John’s gospel of Jesus’ miraculous is not exhaustive. Can you imagine? The apostle concludes his gospel by asserting,

“Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” ().

John 21:25 ESV

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

We must recognize that this is a bit of hyperbole on the part of John. His point is that the Lord Jesus did many miracles, more than are recorded.

b) Jesus performed signs to authenticate his identity and his ministry (; cf. ).

John 5:36 ESV

But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.

John 3:2 ESV

This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

c) The resurrection was the most powerful miracle attesting to the deity of Christ (; ).

Romans 1:4 ESV

and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

Acts 13:33 ESV

this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “ ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’

d) The Lord Jesus performed the following signs recorded in John’s gospel:

The Cana wedding feast miracle ().

The healing of the nobleman’s son ().

The sick man at Bethesda ().

The feeding of the 5,000 ().

The walking on water ().

The blind man at Siloam ().

The raising of Lazarus ().

The resurrection of Christ ().

Believe for what reason?

By

By believing you have eternal life in his name (v. 31).

a) John, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, recorded the signs I just listed. He recorded them, no more and no less, for the express purpose of appealing to his hearers and readers. What is his appeal? Jesus desires that his hearers and readers, for generations to come, believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He is substantiating his case for the messianic identity and divinity of Christ. His purpose is apologetic in nature.

b) But, there is more. Look at the second half of verse 31. The apostle, whom Jesus loved, declares that those who believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, will have life in his name.

b) But, there is more. Look at the second half of verse 31. The apostle, whom Jesus loved, declares that those who believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, will have life in his name.

c) Remember this, John stated in the beginning of his gospel, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” ().

John 1:11–13 ESV

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

The New American Commentary: John 12–21 (6) The Main Purpose Statement of the Gospel and the Initial Conclusion (20:30–31)

the purpose for writing this Gospel was not meant to be “a mere academic exercise.” The selection was clearly made with a view to engendering a life-transforming response.102 Thus the purpose can be interpreted as both evangelistic and instructional in nature.103

b) But, there is more. Look at the second half of verse 31. The apostle, whom Jesus loved, declares that those who believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, will have life in his name.

The New American Commentary: John 12–21 (6) The Main Purpose Statement of the Gospel and the Initial Conclusion (20:30–31)

the purpose for writing this Gospel was not meant to be “a mere academic exercise.” The selection was clearly made with a view to engendering a life-transforming response.102 Thus the purpose can be interpreted as both evangelistic and instructional in nature.103

The New American Commentary: John 12–21 (6) The Main Purpose Statement of the Gospel and the Initial Conclusion (20:30–31)

the purpose for writing this Gospel was not meant to be “a mere academic exercise.” The selection was clearly made with a view to engendering a life-transforming response.102 Thus the purpose can be interpreted as both evangelistic and instructional in nature.103

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to John 5. Conclusion: The Purpose of the Fourth Gospel

Even if John’s purpose is primarily evangelistic, it must be admitted that throughout the history of the church this Gospel has served not only as a means for reaching unbelievers but as a means for instructing, edifying and comforting believers.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel according to John 5. Conclusion: The Purpose of the Fourth Gospel

John’s purpose is not academic. He writes in order that men and women may believe certain propositional truth, the truth that the Christ, the Son of God, is Jesus, the Jesus whose portrait is drawn in this Gospel. But such faith is not an end in itself. It is directed toward the goal of personal, eschatological salvation: that by believing you may have life in his name. That is still the purpose of this book today, and at the heart of the Christian mission (v. 21).

Memoir and Remains of the Reverend Robert Murray McCheyne III. Christ Is the Life

Marvel not that we say unto you, Ye must be born again. You must be joined to Christ, for Christ is the life. Suppose it were possible for a dead limb to be joined into a living body so completely that all the veins should receive the purple tide of living blood,—suppose bone to join on to bone, and sinew to sinew, and nerve to nerve,—do you not see that that limb, however dead before, would become a living limb? Before, it was cold and stiff and motionless, and full of corruption; now it is warm and pliable, and full of life and motion. It is a living limb, because joined on to that which is life. Or, suppose it possible for a withered branch to be grafted into a living vine so completely that all the channels should receive the flow of the generous sap, do you not see that that branch, however dead before, becomes a living branch? Before, it was dry and fruitless and withered; now, it is full of sap, of life, and vigour. It is a living branch, for it is joined to the vine, which is its life. Well, then, just in the same way, Christ is the life of every soul that cleaves to Him. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Is your soul like a dead limb—cold, stiff, motionless, and full of corruption? Cleave you to Christ, be joined to Him by faith, and you shall be one spirit,—you shall be made warm and vigorous and full of activity in God’s service.

c) Remember this, John stated in the beginning of his gospel, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” ().

Marvel not that we say unto you, Ye must be born again. You must be joined to Christ, for Christ is the life. Suppose it were possible for a dead limb to be joined into a living body so completely that all the veins should receive the purple tide of living blood,—suppose bone to join on to bone, and sinew to sinew, and nerve to nerve,—do you not see that that limb, however dead before, would become a living limb? Before, it was cold and stiff and motionless, and full of corruption; now it is warm and pliable, and full of life and motion. It is a living limb, because joined on to that which is life. Or, suppose it possible for a withered branch to be grafted into a living vine so completely that all the channels should receive the flow of the generous sap, do you not see that that branch, however dead before, becomes a living branch? Before, it was dry and fruitless and withered; now, it is full of sap, of life, and vigour. It is a living branch, for it is joined to the vine, which is its life. Well, then, just in the same way, Christ is the life of every soul that cleaves to Him. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Is your soul like a dead limb—cold, stiff, motionless, and full of corruption? Cleave you to Christ, be joined to Him by faith, and you shall be one spirit,—you shall be made warm and vigorous and full of activity in God’s service.

Robert Murray McCheyne once preached, “Marvel not that we say unto you, Ye must be born again. You must be joined to Christ, for Christ is the life. Suppose it were possible for a dead limb to be joined into a living body so completely that all the veins should receive the purple tide of living blood,—suppose bone to join on to bone, and sinew to sinew, and nerve to nerve,—do you not see that that limb, however dead before, would become a living limb? Before, it was cold and stiff and motionless, and full of corruption; now it is warm and pliable, and full of life and motion. It is a living limb, because joined on to that which is life. Or, suppose it possible for a withered branch to be grafted into a living vine so completely that all the channels should receive the flow of the generous sap, do you not see that that branch, however dead before, becomes a living branch? Before, it was dry and fruitless and withered; now, it is full of sap, of life, and vigour. It is a living branch, for it is joined to the vine, which is its life. Well, then, just in the same way, Christ is the life of every soul that cleaves to Him. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. Is your soul like a dead limb—cold, stiff, motionless, and full of corruption? Cleave you to Christ, be joined to Him by faith, and you shall be one spirit,—you shall be made warm and vigorous and full of activity in God’s service.”

Robert Murray McCheyne and Andrew A. Bonar, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1894), 300–301.

Robert Murray McCheyne and Andrew A. Bonar, Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1894), 300–301.

Wrap up:

John’s purpose in writing was, “So you may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (). The miracles recorded all point to the messianic identity and deity of Christ. Those who repent and believe will have life, eternal life, in Jesus’ name.

The writers of holy Scripture, under divine inspiration, trust in the sufficiency of God’s Word to save and sanctify those who believe. Yet, in spite of this, there have been professing Christians who have thought themselves wiser than God, in this regard. Andy Stanley declared, “Our faith is not dependent on the Bible.” He went on to say, “The Bible didn’t create the church. The church created the Bible.” Actually, Andy is wrong.

Stanley goes on to propose that Christians need to get away from believing that the Bible is the basis for our faith and realize that the basis for our faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote, “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (). Elsewhere Paul wrote, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’ Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” ().

Andy Stanley goes on to propose that Christians need to get away from believing that the Bible is the basis for our faith and realize that the basis for our faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I hope you understand how dangerous such thinking is. It is a perilous path to walk. Andy has come to the conclusion that unbelievers don’t accept the Word of God.

They have objections to a literal creation account.

They object to God commanding the Israelites to wipe out the peoples in Canaan.

They object to a number of things in Scripture, including the truth that it is the inerrant Word of God. So, he wants all Christians to wave the white flag and hold the line at the resurrection. Andy has forgotten the truth of .

Hebrews 4:11–16 ESV

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

300 Quotations for Preachers Letting the Gospel Lion Out

A great many learned men are defending the gospel; no doubt it is a very proper and right thing to do. Yet I always notice that, when there are most books of that kind, it is because the gospel itself is not being preached. Suppose a number of persons were to take it into their heads that they had to defend a lion, a full-grown king of beasts! There he is in the cage, and here come all the soldiers of the army to fight for him. Well, I should suggest to them, if they would not object, and feel that it was humbling to them, that they should kindly stand back, and open the door, and let the lion out! I believe that would be the best way of defending him, for he would take care of himself; and the best “apology” for the gospel is to let the gospel out.

CHARLES SPURGEON

John wrote, “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” ().

John 20:31 ESV

but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.