The Scriptures and Eternal Life

Friday morning, January 11, 2008

This is what Jesus said to some Jews, probably Pharisees, about the Scriptures and their relationship to eternal life: “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life” (John 5:30-40). Hmmm—this is interesting, so let us look at the context of His words!

As you know, the Jews, especially the Pharisees, were very adamant about the importance of keeping the Ten Commandments, and they were because they believed not only that they were the “heart and essence” of the Scriptures, but also that obedience to them was necessary for pleasing God. Just for the record, Jesus knew this, too, even better than you and I know it, which makes this “context” so interesting.

As the centerpiece for this exchange, He healed a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath Day, which was a definite violation of the fourth commandment—Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy—and, as you might imagine, the response He received from the Jews (Pharisees) was not exactly warm and fuzzy!

Anyway you cut this, on the one hand Jesus was pushing the envelope with these Jews about as far as it could be pushed, and for good reason; on the other hand they were reacting harshly, also for good reason—they sincerely believed that He was desecrating what they held as Holy—the Ten Commandments! However, we must remember this: Jesus was correct and they were incorrect, notwithstanding they were sincere.

To make matters worse, Jesus called God His Father (vs. 17-18), thereby, making Himself equal with God, which really infuriated these Jews, even to the point of seeking to kill Him! Then to make matters even worse, Jesus told them that He gives life to whomever He wishes (with the strong implication that they were not on His “wish list”!). We can only guess, as to their response to this!

Now back to the text and to the matter that REALLY infuriated these Jews (this is my paraphrase): “I will concede this much: you guys really are good students of the Scriptures—very good—but your reason for being such good students is incorrect, seriously incorrect; consequently, you have missed their message. You sincerely believe that you will find eternal life in the Scriptures (mainly by keeping the Ten Commandments); however, you are sincerely wrong and you are for this reason: the Scriptures bear witness of Me, clearly telling you that unless you come to Me, you are not on My “wish list” and the obvious fact is that you are unwilling to come to Me.”

To be honest, when I encounter people, who are so sincere that they are not teachable, I get the “willies,” especially, when it is obvious that they are sincerely wrong. Yes, in many instances there is room for debate and discussion; however, when it comes to eternal life, there is no room for either. There is but one way and that way is Jesus—period!

Now, let me infuriate you (well, some of you!): Unless He has placed you on His wish list, you cannot come to Him—period! Remember? “The Son gives life to whom He wishes” (vs. 21b). I might as well go ahead and add this: He doesn’t add you to His wish list simply because you want Him to, or because you walk an aisle, or because you pray the “sinner’s prayer”, or because you do something to attract Him (obedience, for example); instead, if you are on His wish list, you are “in order that His choice, according to His purpose might stand, not because of works, but because of Him who calls. . .” (Romans 9:11b).

If I succeeded in infuriating you, there is a good chance that you are on His wish list; otherwise, you wouldn’t and couldn’t give a damn (Now, take that to the context!)