Resurrection's Eternal Sorting

Introduction

The challenges of 2020 upon America, and in many ways, the world, are indisputable. Secularism is taking over. Where there is religion, there is a significant number of people following non-Christian faith systems. As a result, there is a failure of societies to see the world the way Christians do - in nearly every sphere of living. The problem is, the world is responding to COVID-19 in a way that may do more harm than good. Social distancing may slow the spread of the virus, but the isolation approach is bringing about loneliness, discouragement, and doubt to the point that record numbers are committing suicide - globally. The anti-Christian governments of the world see Biblical Christianity as hateful because the morality is a roadblock to licentiousness in many forms. Persecution is rising - economic as well as physical.

So what is the answer? Jesus. Jesus solves the loneliness problems. Jesus solves the roots of licentiousness. Jesus solves the virus in that, should it be difficult or even deadly, He gives us a true perspective on life and death that is missing entirely from secular circles and often enough, even in the church. There are two events that must take place in our lives that ONLY God can accomplish: Salvation and Resurrection. Is it possible to know for sure that God has done this in YOUR life? Yes!

Life and Death - the Resurrection Truth - is what I want to talk to you about today.

As we continue through the book of John, we come to Jesus' discussion of two resurrections. He was talking to the Jews, revealing His authority over eternal things. When we look deeply into the Word of God on this matter, we find great solace in our hearts - at a time when we most need it. It will dispel fear, comfort our grief, and grant us a confidence we need more than anything else.

1. The Explanation of the Resurrections

In our passage today - beginning at verse 28 of John chapter 5, Jesus begins talking about the resurrection the Jews argued about. Pharisees understood that there was a resurrection to come, based on OT prophecies (which was all of the Bible that existed in that time). Sadducees believed there was no resurrection to come. Like political parties, control of the temple and synagogue leadership oscillated between these two factions of Judaism. The conversation of the resurrection was nothing new. What was new, however, was that Jesus - this man who had just “violated” the Jewish law by healing a lame man on the sabbath - claimed to be in charge of the resurrection as well as the Sabbath. This authority ONLY belongs to God. Which can only mean one of two things - Jesus is a blasphemer, or He is God in human form! - as He claims to be.

A. Resurrection of Life

This is the conclusion to the salvation experience. When our hearts are changed by faith in Jesus - something ONLY God can do - we are brought from death to life as He talks about in v. 21 and vv. 24-25. That was the resurrection of the dead heart brought to life by faith in Christ.

Here in verses 28-30, Jesus is talking about the coming resurrection of all people. When He refers to the resurrection life, He promises this resurrection to those who do Good.

I need to clarify what “good” means if we hope to understand this. Verse 30 gives us a clue. It speaks of Jesus only seeking the will of the Father. That is good. Only God is good. Jesus, will separate people into two groups - those who do the will of the Father, and those who don’t.

B. Resurrection of Condemnation

Those who don’t do the will of the Father are said to do evil. While we all have done evil - every one - those who hope to escape the resurrection of Condemnation must repent and seek Jesus - receiving Him, and in Him, the ability to know and do the will of the Father. Rejecting Jesus and the will of the Father is to do evil - and the resurrection of condemnation lies ahead. At a time known only to the Father, that day will arrive for everyone.

Don’t let Jesus’ human form prevent you from trusting Him to be God in nature, power, and authority. His words and works prove that He is.

2. The Evidence of the Resurrections

Consider the following proof of His work on earth even today.

A. Proof is in the change of one's heart.

The heart of many in this world is secular, anti-Christian, or merely ambivalence. There is no heart for the things of God. There is no love - biblical love - for others. There is no desire to be and do Good as defined by Christ in the Bible. There is no joy in salvation, in forgiveness of sin, or being set free from the power of sin to condemn, rule a person’s life, or anything else.

Proof of the resurrection unto life is a changed heart.

B. Proof is in the change of one's behavior.

Likewise, there’s more proof. The secular world is watching for this proof - a change of behavior. The world may try to manipulate a person who becomes more gentle - even try to kill them. But when a person has been made alive to Christ, he does what Christ wants - even go to his own death quite willingly. If God want’s to bring him home, if God chooses to take his life, the changed person is fine with that. There is joy to meet His Redeemer face to face! The truly redeemed will show it in their behavior.

C. Proof is in the change of one's values.

The final proof is the proof of values. The lost don’t value human life. The lost don’t value true biblical prayer, or the Word of God. The lost doesn’t value their neighbor as themselves. The lost don’t value family, marriage, or children. The lost don’t value worship, praise, or giving time and talent and treasure to the Lord. The lost will find that what God loves, they do not. The saved will see this change in themselves, and the lost will see this change in them over time as well.

This is proof of being resurrected by Christ is change. The kind of total change only God can bring about.

3. The Exercise of the Resurrections

There WILL be a resurrection for every person who ever lived. Our bodies die, but they will rise again unto judgment. What is good is the Will of God. The Christian will exercise himself to examine his heart, values and confidence - and be sure that the faith that lives in Him is Christ Himself.

A. The Desires of our Hearts (God's will vs. Our will)

Does your heart desire God's will so much you are willing to lay aside YOUR will in exchange? That is Good.

B. The Definitions of our Values (Good vs. Evil)

Do you define Good and Evil the way God does? Good is not defined by God as the thing that benefits YOU for the moment or even in the long run. Good is that which is most like God - in purpose, righteousness, and in order. God's plan is Good. God is Good. That which is contrary to God is Evil, whether it be in direct opposition, or in omission of the thing which God wills. We need to again be good people - by God's definition.

C. The Direction of our Confidence (life vs. condemnation)

And finally, the direction of our Confidence makes the difference with regard to our resurrection's destination. Those with confidence in Christ alone for what He is and does will find that their resurrection will be unto eternal life with Him. Those who trust their own deeds, their power, or even reject Christ directly will all find their resurrection to be unto condemnation. God and Christ condemn evil, for they are good.

Do YOU place your confidence in the person and work of Christ alone?

Conclusion

This week, I want you to choose to receive that which is Good - Jesus Christ, the will of the Father for your life, and His Spirit. He will lead you to want that which is Good in your heart, value what God values in your choices, and place your confidence in Him who is Good rather than anything else. Your life on earth may change directions, but so will your eternal destiny. Only Jesus can bring this about - so you must receive Him.

Will you do so today? Please?

If you have never received Jesus, you can. He is here, and He is waiting for you to do so. Simply invite Him to change your heart, invite His Spirit to live in you, and ask Him to fill you with confidence in Him and His work in you today. He will change your heart in a moment, giving you new delights - He will delight you. He will give you new desires - you will want what He wants. He will give you new discernment - making you able to see the difference between good and evil better. And He will convince you that He has Saved you unto the resurrection of Life! When the sorting comes, you will have already known His direction for YOU - because you have received the Lord Himself - the resurrection and the Life!