The base text for our study is found in the book of John 11:25-26, which brings us the words of Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live; and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) . These profound and impactful words of Jesus reveal a wonderful promise: eternal life through faith in Him. In this study, we will explore that promise and its meaning for our lives.
Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life
In verse 25, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” These words reveal Jesus’ power and authority over death and life. Like the resurrection, He has the power to bring to life those who were spiritually dead, bringing them into salvation and into a relationship with God. As life, He is the source of eternal life, offering all who believe a full and abundant life here on earth and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven.
Jesus’ promise of resurrection and life is confirmed by other biblical verses. In John 14:6, Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This statement emphasizes that eternal life can only be achieved through Jesus, acknowledging His divinity and surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior.
Furthermore, in 1 John 5:11-12 , we read, “And this is the witness, that God has given us eternal life; and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life”. These verses underscore the importance of receiving Jesus into our lives for eternal life. He is the source of that life, and only through Him can we fully experience it.
The Promise of Eternal Life for the Dead in Christ
In the same verse 25, Jesus goes on to say, “whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live”. Here, Jesus is referring to those who died physically but believed in Him during their earthly lives. The promise is that even though we may face physical death, our faith in Jesus brings us the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
This promise is amply addressed in Scripture. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 , we find a description of the event known as “the resurrection of the dead in Christ”: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and those who died in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will be with the Lord forever.” These verses reveal the glorious resurrection hope for all who have died in Christ. Those who are dead in Christ will be raised first, and those who are still alive will be transformed to meet the Lord in the air, enjoying eternal life with Him.
Eternal Life for Those Who Live and Believe in Jesus
In verse 26, Jesus states, “and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die”. Here, Jesus is referring to those who are alive at the time He utters these words. He promises that those who live and believe in Him will never die. Although we may experience physical death, spiritual death has no power over us. Eternal life in Jesus begins the moment we place our faith in Him, and that life is eternal and unshakable.
This promise is also confirmed in other biblical passages. In John 3:16 we read, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” These words of Jesus show God’s love for us and His plan of salvation. Those who believe in Jesus are promised eternal life and will not perish.
Another relevant verse is John 5:24: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” In this verse, Jesus reinforces that eternal life is for those who hear his word, believe in God and accept the gift of salvation. Those who have Jesus have passed from spiritual death to eternal life.
The Importance of Faith in Jesus for Eternal Life
In addition to declaring that He is the resurrection and the life, Jesus asks a challenging question at the end of verse 26: “Do you believe this?” This direct question leads us to reflect on the importance of faith in Jesus to receive eternal life.
Faith plays a fundamental role in our relationship with God and in ensuring eternal life. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , the Bible tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation and eternal life cannot be achieved by merit or good works, but are received by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:6 also teaches us about the importance of faith: “Now without faith it is impossible to please him; for he who approaches God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” Faith is essential to pleasing God and having fellowship with Him. Those who wish to receive eternal life must believe in Jesus as the only way to God and trust in His redemptive work on the cross.
Eternal Life as a Gift from God
Eternal life is not something we can earn by our own efforts, but it is a gracious gift from God. In Romans 6:23 , we read, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eternal life is a free gift that God offers us through Jesus Christ. It’s not something we can earn, but it’s a gift based on His grace and love for us.
Furthermore, Jesus stated in John 6:40, “For this is the will of him who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” Here, Jesus reaffirms that eternal life is God’s desire for all those who believe in Him. It is a divine gift that includes the promise of resurrection on the last day.
Conclusion
The Bible study on John 11:25-26 reveals to us the wonderful promise of Jesus to be the resurrection and the life. Through Him, we can experience eternal life, both for those who died in Christ and for those who live and believe in Him. The resurrection of the dead in Christ and the promise of eternal life are the basis of our hope as followers of Jesus.
May we internalize these truths and live in communion with Jesus, enjoying the abundant life He offers here on earth and the promise of eternal life with Him. May our faith be strengthened, knowing that in Jesus we have the assurance of eternal life and that nothing can separate us from his love. May this promise motivate us to share the gospel and offer everyone the opportunity to experience eternal life in Christ Jesus.
