Judgment's Turning Point

Scripture: For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son ... Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:22,24

Observation: Jesus is already being accused of defiling the sabbath, and of declaring himself equal to God. However, he takes that claim further by clarifying what that sonship really means ... that the nature of God's judgment has changed forever.

Throughout our understanding of God, we see that he is fully merciful and fully just. God shows mercy, but he also shows judgment on those who defy him. Jesus changes that narrative by declaring that God the Father judges no one. Instead, judgment is an act of the son, Jesus. And furthermore, Jesus states what that judgment involves ... those who hear Jesus, trust in his word and his truth, and thus believe in the Lord, shall not come into judgment. They shall be forgiven, and receive eternal life.

Jesus really could not be more clear. Faith in Jesus means you are not judged. This isn't about being judged and found innocent, it's about not coming into judgment, but instead passing into eternal life. Faith in Jesus as the son of God, which therefore involves belief in God, is the only criteria for this.

Application: There are times when reading the letters of the apostles like Paul I wonder 'where did he get that idea?' I assume those insights are inspired by the Holy Spirit. However, the idea of grace by faith ... that isn't a concept simply inspired by the spirit and penned by men. That truth is spelled out by Jesus, right here.

I believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the son of God. In this, I believe in the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth. As a result, I will not be rightly judged for my sins. I am NOT innocent of anything, and I am not righteous. I am simply forgiven ... my badness is and will be ignored, because in his love Jesus has decided so.

May I strive to sin less, to be innocent, and to live righteously. I know I will fail, but I still desire to obey Jesus' teaching, because he is my Lord and savior.

Prayer: Lord, on this day of prayer, I seek your will and your face in my life. It is often hard to find these days. Thank you for salvation by faith, for I know I could never be worthy of your grace. I hope others will discover this amazing truth today, and in days to come. Amen.