"There Are Two and Only Two Eternal Destinies" Where are you headed? (John 5:24-30)

George Bernard Shaw said, "The statistics on death are quite impressive: one out of one people die." However, in light of that certainty, one would think that all of humanity would be extremely engaged in preparing for what lies beyond! Yet, many continue to push any thoughts about eternity from their thinking and focus on things that will not matter on the day of death! The time to consider eternity is NOW! The time to consider where you're headed is NOW! In the context of our passage, we find the Lord responding to the Jews, who accused Him of breaking the Sabbath and of claiming to be equal with God (v. 19). Jesus' response is very interesting. Instead of backing away from their charge, the Lord strengthens His claims of being God! Jesus claims equality with God in His nature (v. 17-18). Jesus claims equality with God in His works (v. 17, 19). Jesus claims equality with God in His love and knowledge (v. 20). Jesus claims equality with God in His sovereign power (v. 21). Jesus claims equality with God in His judgment (v.22) and Jesus claims equality with God in His worship (v. 23)! We must understand and embrace that no mere man and no created being could make these claims unless he was insane! Our Lord is clearly claiming to be God! In our passage, the Lord is continuing to emphasize His amazing claims. He does this by asserting that there are only two categories of people. He categorizes them as those who possess eternal life and those who are spiritually dead and under condemnation (v. 24). The phrase, "passed out of death into life" speaks to the reality of Jesus' words in v. 21, which says, "the Son also gives life to whom He wishes." The people who have "passed out of death into life" are those who were spiritually dead! How did they gain eternal life? Who are they? They are identified as those who hear Jesus' Word and believe in the Father and the Son! Are you one of those who have "passed out of death into life?" The time to consider eternity is NOW! Maybe you've heard the expression, "going first class on the Titanic!" It represents those who unwisely devote themselves to desiring pleasure in this life only! Jesus teaches that all who live are headed for judgment. Traveling first class on a ship that's doomed is foolish! Call out to Jesus to save you! Your move. Be encouraged!