The Authority of Christ Jesus

The Voice That Raises the Dead
John 5:25–30 (ESV)

In John 5:25–30, Jesus continues His profound discourse following the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda. Having declared His equality with God, Jesus now turns to the theme of resurrection and judgment. These verses reveal the authority of Christ over life and death, both spiritually and physically. They also show His role as the righteous Judge appointed by the Father.

Jesus begins in verse 25, saying, “Truly, truly, I say to you, an 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.” Here, Jesus speaks first of a spiritual resurrection. The “dead” are those spiritually dead in sin, separated from God. The “hour” that “now is” began with Christ’s ministry. When He calls sinners through the gospel, those who hear His voice and believe are brought to life. This is the miracle of regeneration the new birth by the Spirit of God.

Verse 26 declares, “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself.” This statement reveals the divine nature of Christ. Only God has life inherently. Angels, humanity, and all creation depend on God for life, but the Son, like the Father, possesses life within Himself. The Father has eternally given this to the Son, not as a lesser being, but in the mystery of divine relationship within the Trinity. This affirms that Christ is fully God, the source of all life, and the One who gives life to whom He will (John 5:21).

In verse 27, Jesus adds, “And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.” Christ is not only the Giver of life but also the Judge of all humanity. His title “Son of Man” connects both to His deity and His humanity. It fulfills Daniel 7:13–14, where the “Son of Man” is given dominion and authority from the Ancient of Days. Because Christ became man, He can judge with perfect righteousness and understanding, having experienced human life yet without sin.

Jesus then shifts in verses 28–29 to the future, saying, “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” Unlike the earlier “hour” that “now is,” this speaks of a coming physical resurrection. Every person who has ever lived will one day hear the voice of the Son of God. His word alone will summon the dead from their graves. The “resurrection of life” belongs to those who are born again, whose lives bear fruit in righteousness by faith in Christ. The “resurrection of judgment” awaits those who reject Him, whose evil deeds flow from unbelief and rebellion against God.

Finally, in verse 30, Jesus declares, “I can do nothing on My own. As I hear, I judge, and My judgment is just, because I seek not My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.” Though equal with the Father, Jesus acts in perfect unity and submission to the Father’s will. His judgment is flawless because it flows from divine harmony within the Godhead. The Son does not act independently but reveals the justice, mercy, and holiness of God perfectly.

This passage shows the absolute authority of Jesus Christ. He is the source of life, the Savior who calls sinners from spiritual death, and the Judge who will one day raise all the dead to stand before Him. For those who believe, this truth brings comfort and hope, Christ’s voice that called us to life will also call us to eternal glory. For those who reject Him, it stands as a solemn warning that the same voice will one day summon them to judgment.

Therefore, now is the hour to hear His voice. The gospel is the call of the Son of God to all who are dead in sin. When one hears and believes, new life begins, and the fear of judgment is removed through the righteousness of Christ. He alone holds the keys to life and death, and in Him alone there is everlasting hope.

We always encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul's day. Please visit us here for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family