Page 42 - The Gospel of John - Student textbook

Christ Received All Authority from the Father

John 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hands. The one who believes in the Son
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has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God
remains on him.

The blessed truth of salvation is that the one who believes in the son has eternal life as a present possession, not
merely as a future hope. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word, and believes in him who
sent me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life” (5:24 1:12;
3:15 – 16; 6:47; 1 John 5:10 – 13). But on the other hand, the one who refuses to believe the son will not see
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life.

Life application:

We see in these verses another example of John the Baptist’s true greatness. It seems that
those who are truly great never fully understand their significance. He refused to get baited
into a compromise of his ministry with Jesus’ ministry. Some of his disciples were not quite so
wise. There seems to be a sinful tendency in the human heart that longs for recognition. We
indulge it at our own peril. The Baptist had a grasp of who he was and who Jesus is. Gospel ministers must deal
ruthlessly with the insatiable longing for human acclaim.

Finally, a truth that runs through this chapter is that every person’s destiny is determined by their personal
response to the Son. It is evident from the concluding verse in this section that saving faith is demonstrated by a
lifestyle characterized by obedience. On the other hand, if one confesses that they know Jesus, but their lifestyle
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is characterized by disobedience, it is unlikely that they have saving faith (Galatians 5:19 – 21; 1 Corinthians 6:9
– 11; Ephesians 5:6 – 8). Many in the church believe that because they prayed the “sinner’s prayer” or walk
down the istle, they are saved. Yet, they live without any desire for God and their lives completely contradict
their confession. We need to hearken to the words of John the Baptist, “Bring forth fruit in keeping with
repentance” (Luke 3:8).

Every person’s destiny is determined by their

personal response to the Son.

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