Death to Life (John 20:29-31)

Death to Life (20:29-31)

John could not end his book without bringing the resurrection miracle to his readers. We should not envy Thomas and the other disciples, because we can experience the power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives today. That was why John wrote this gospel—so that people in every age could know that Jesus is God and that faith in Him brings everlasting life.

It is not necessary to “see” Jesus Christ to believe. Yes, it was a blessing for the early Christians to see their Lord and know He was alive, but that did not save them. They were saved, not by sight, but through faith. The emphasis throughout the gospel of John is on believing. In this gospel, we are called upon nearly a hundred times to believe in Jesus Christ.

Today we cannot see Christ or the miracles (signs) that John wrote about in this book. However, the record is there, and that is all that we need. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17; and note 1 John 5:9–13). As you read John’s record, you come face to face with Jesus Christ, how He lived, what He said, and what He did. All the evidence leads to the conclusion that He is God in the flesh, the Savior of the world.

The signs that John selected and described in this book are proof of the deity of Christ. They are important. Sinners are not saved by believing on miracles; they are saved by believing on Jesus Christ. Many of the Jews in Jerusalem believed on Jesus because of His miracles, but He did not believe in them (John 2:23–25)! Miracles brought great crowds after Him (John 6:2), but in the end most of those people left Him for good (John 6:66). Even the religious leaders who plotted His death believed He did miracles, but this “faith” did not save them (John 11:47ff.).

Faith in His miracles should lead to faith in His Word and to personal faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Jesus Himself said that faith in His works (miracles) was only the first step in the direction of faith in the Word of God (John 5:36-40). The sinner must “hear” the Word if he is to be saved (John 5:24).

There was no need for John to describe every miracle that our Lord performed; in fact, he supposed that a complete record could never be written (John 21:25). The life and ministry of Jesus Christ were simply too rich and full for any writer, even an inspired one, to provide a complete record. But you don’t need a full record. All of the basic facts are here for us to read and consider. There is sufficient truth for any sinner to believe and be saved!

The theme of John’s gospel is that “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." He offered a threefold proof of this thesis: our Lord’s works, our Lord’s walk, and our Lord’s words. In this gospel you see Jesus doing miracles; you see Him living a perfect life among His enemies; and you hear Him saying things that nobody else could say.

Jesus was either crazy, deceived, or exactly who He claimed to be. Some of His enemies did say He was deranged and deluded. But most of the people who watched Him and listened to Him concluded He was unique, different from anyone they had ever known. How could a madman, or a deluded man, do what Jesus did? When people believed Him, He changed their lives! That doesn't happen when you trust a madman or a deceiver.

He said He was God in human flesh, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. That is what He is!

John was not content to explain a subject. He was an evangelist with a mission to complete. He wanted his readers to believe in Jesus Christ and be saved! He was not writing a biography to entertain or a history to enlighten. He was writing an evangel to change men’s lives.

“Life” is one of John’s key words; he uses it at least thirty-six times. Jesus gives sinners abundant and eternal life. The only way they can have it is by personal faith in Him.

If sinners need life, then the implication is that they are dead. "And you hath He quickened [made alive, resurrected] who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). Salvation is not resuscitation; it is resurrection (John 5:24). The lost sinner is not sick or feeble; he is dead.

This life comes “through His name.” What is His name? In John’s gospel, the emphasis is on His name, “I am.” Jesus makes seven profound “I am” statements in this gospel, giving the lost sinner all he needs.

Eternal life is not "endless time," for even the lost will live forever in hell. “Eternal life” means the life of God Himself, experienced today. It is not a quantity of time, but a quality of life. It is the mystical experience of “heaven on earth” now. The Christian does not have to die to have this eternal life; he possesses it in Christ today.

The ten disciples were changed from fear to courage, and Thomas was changed from unbelief to confidence. Now John asks you to trust Jesus Christ and to be changed from death to eternal life.

If you have already made this life-changing decision, express your thanks to God for the precious gift of eternal life.

​If you have not decided to do this, do it now.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).