As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 35 of Chapter 3. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle writes, quoting a reply from John the Baptist:
“The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3: 35-36.
As you recall John the Baptist had been approached by one of his disciples and told that Jesus and His disciples were also baptizing, and that everyone was going to them.(3:26) John was telling them here that everything had been placed in the hands of Jesus. John knew his job was done. He had done what he had been called to do, and he was telling everyone he was handing off to Jesus. He pointed out to his disciples that this man Jesus was the Son of God Himself, and that God loved Him, and had now put Him in charge. Not that God did not love John, He certainly did, as He loves us, and had a very personal relationship with him, as He does with us, and all who believe. But for John, this is somewhat like a person that runs a Company or an Estate until the founder’s child is groomed and ready to take over. It then passes on to the heir.
Jesus called John, the greatest Prophet that had ever lived. And prior to the new Covenant of Grace, the Prophets were the primary way God communicated with His people. This had changed. John did not say all things ‘will’ be put into the hands of Jesus, he said everything HAS been put into the hands of the Son. Jesus was now in charge, and His words were to be the Way. At the Mount of Transfigeration we saw Moses and Elijah removed with only Jesus standing, and God saying, ” This is my Son whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” (Matt 17: 1-5) “Listen to Him.” New Covenant Prophets would now have a new role.
The Old Testament Prophet’s job was to bring judgment of sins to the mind of the people. The New Testament Prophet’s job is to bring the finished work of Christ, and His righteousness to the mind of the people. They bring the Light.
John goes on to say, “Whoever believes in the Son HAS eternal life.” He did not say WILL HAVE, he said whoever believes in the Son HAS eternal life. That means at the time we accept Jesus as Lord through faith in Him, we HAVE eternal life. We can never lose it. There is nothing that can take it from us. That is because the Holy Spirit has baptized us INTO Christ. We are as ONE with Him. HE is ETERNAL, therefore WE are eternal the moment we believe. Amen.
“For it is by grace that you HAVE been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8,9) There is nothing more to do. There is nothing more we Can do. When Jesus was asked by the people, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” He said,”The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6: 28,29)
Father God, Love Himself, has sent His Son to give us eternal life and to be with Him for all eternity. He loves us. He wants us with Him. All we have to do is to make the decision to believe in His Son, and the wrath, the death, that Adam brought upon man is taken away. One man brought it – one man took it away. (Romans 5:18 The abundant life that Christ came to give is then ours to live in, (John 10:10)- now and forever.
In Christ Jesus, you are greatly blessed, greatly loved, greatly favored, and highly esteemed, God’s Beloveds. Only Believe.
Poppa B.