“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation”
(John 5:28-29 NKJV)

the resurrection is certain and universal

Ignorant, but zealous, Jews want to kill Jesus because He heals on the Sabbath. He claims to be equal to the Father (John 5:18), to do whatever the Father does (John 5:19), and to be loved by the Father (His Father, singular, John 5:20). He says the Father has committed all judgment to Him (John 5:22). Admittedly, these claims are blasphemous — unless Jesus is speaking the truth.

Note the certainty of the resurrection and judgment: “the hour is coming…” Why do so many live as though it is not?

The resurrection is certain and universal. “All who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth.” This means me.

The resurrection will include all the dead: those who have done good and those who have done evil. This destroys the premillennial assertion that the good alone will rise, participate in a thousand year reign, followed by the resurrection of the evil. Jesus knows of only one resurrection for both groups.

The expression, “those who have done good,” must alarm those who believe in salvation by faith alone. See James 2:24.

“Those who have done evil” reveals that some have violated a standard. “Condemnation” guarantees that disobedience will be discovered, acknowledged, sentenced, and punished.

There is no in-between condition. We are either with Him or against Him. Are you ready for the resurrection?

– Rick Duggin