Done Good or Done Evil

Lesson #89

In this lesson we will finish our study of John 5:25 – 29, by looking at verses 28 – 29: “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (ESV). There are two groups in view here; those who have done good and those who have done evil. But how does one determine what doing good means? John 15 will help clarify this.

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1 – 2 ESV). Those who do good are the branches who bear fruit and those who do evil are the ones that do not bear fruit. But in order for a branch to bear fruit it must draw life from the vine; “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me” (John 15:4 ESV). Those who do good are the ones who have come to Jesus in faith and continue to grow spiritually. As we abide in him we continue to become more and more like him, bearing more and more fruit. Jesus continues: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 ESV). As we abide in Jesus we are able to bear much fruit, but apart from him we can produce nothing that is considered good. These who abide in Jesus are the ones who do good and are raised to the resurrection of life.

What about those who do not abide in Jesus? “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:6 ESV). Apart from Jesus Christ it is not possible to bear fruit or to do good. The output from the lives of those apart from Jesus is worth nothing in the eyes of God. These people do only evil because what they do is not for God but for their own benefit in some way. They are the branches that are taken away and burned; they are the ones who are raised to the resurrection of judgment. By bearing fruit our Father is glorified and we prove to be disciples of Jesus (John 15:8).

 John says, “An hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out.” John does not limit resurrection just to those who were buried in tombs, but in light of other scriptures includes all who have died. Other thoughts expressed by commentators on this are outside the scope of this lesson.

Prayer

Father, again this lesson makes it very clear that our relationship with Jesus determines our eternal destiny. He divides humanity into two groups by providing us with the life we need to bear fruit. Thank you for that life.