Belief in Son and Father

Scripture: "The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all men should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. Truly, truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." John 5:22-25

Observation: There is an interesting point being made here. First, God does not judge, but has granted that authority to Jesus. Second, Jesus' criteria for judgment is simply belief in God evidence by listing to and believing in Jesus. Third, as Jesus is at that moment on the earth, now is the time to believe in him.

Jesus has laid out a simple statement - believe in his and his word, and receive life free of God's judgment.

Application: I am confused by one element of this passage, and that is the fact that God the Father no longer judges anyone, but rather all judgement is committed to the Son Jesus. My easiest way of understanding this statement is that ... the criteria for judgment changed to be based on belief in Jesus. I believe that to be so. However, even in this criteria, Jesus clarifies the statement ... we must listen to Jesus, and through our belief in him we must also believe in God, as Jesus teaches a message of continued belief in God.

This of course introduces a different thought process when I meet Hindus in my community. They are willing to learn of Jesus, but only to add him to their number of gods. They do not believe in Yahweh, Jehovah, El Shaddai, Adonai, Elohim, or any other name we give to the one true God the creator.

There is always a dual requirement for faith. One if belief in God, the other is belief in his word. Jesus, in saying God has committed judgment to the Son, simply says that therefore we must believe in Jesus and his word, and that his word is that we must believe in God. Faith still requires faith in God the Father.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we - myself, Laurie, and others in our church - keep finding ways to teach others of your love, your ways, and your truth this Christmas season. Amen.