One day, everyone will hear the voice of Yeshua—some to eternal life, others to judgment. The choice we make now determines which resurrection we experience.
Key Verse:
“Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth: those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” —John 5:28–29 (NASB)
Background Context:
After declaring His unity with the Father and authority to give life and judge, Yeshua continues explaining the weight of His role. In this passage, He introduces the concept of two resurrections—one to life and one to judgment. He emphasizes that this power and judgment are not taken upon Himself independently, but are given by the Father. His will is perfectly aligned with God’s, and His judgments are righteous and just.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Two Resurrections
25“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26“For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; 27and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28“Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.
30“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
31“If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. 32“There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true.
Reflection on John 5:25–32:
These verses are sobering. Yeshua tells us plainly that a day is coming when all who have died will hear His voice. This is not symbolic—it is a future reality. Every person will be raised, and there will be a final separation: some to life, others to judgment.
What determines the difference? Scripture is consistent—those who believe, repent, and walk in obedience to God are the ones who receive eternal life. Those who reject Him and live for self will face eternal separation. It’s not about earning salvation by works, but rather the fruit that comes from genuine faith. As James 2:17 says, “faith without works is dead.”
Yeshua also reinforces that He judges not by His own initiative, but as One completely aligned with the will of the Father. He is not a rogue figure with His own agenda; He is the appointed Judge who brings divine justice with perfect knowledge and authority.
This passage invites each of us to reflect on our own lives. Do our actions reflect belief? Are we walking in repentance and obedience, or merely claiming belief while remaining in sin? It also calls us to urgency—we will all hear His voice in the end, but how we respond now determines what happens when we do.
Application:
Take time today to examine your walk with Yeshua. Are you truly living in a way that reflects your belief in Him? Do your deeds match the faith you profess? Let the reality of resurrection—either to life or judgment—motivate you to walk in holiness and to lovingly share the gospel with others while there is still time.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the life and authority You have given Your Son. Help us to live with eternal perspective, knowing that one day we will all stand before Yeshua. Let our faith be more than words—let it be demonstrated in how we live, love, and obey. Keep our hearts tender and ready, that we may rise to the resurrection of life. In Yeshua’s name, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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