“I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”
— John 5:24 (NLT)
One of the most powerful declarations Jesus ever made is found in John 5:24. In a single sentence, He lays out the path from spiritual death to eternal life. It’s not complicated, religious, or reserved for the elite. It’s a simple, life-altering truth.
1. Listen to His Message
Jesus says, “Those who listen to My message…” That’s the starting point. We live in a noisy world—voices on social media, opinions on news outlets, and pressures from culture all compete for our attention. But Jesus calls us to stop and truly listen to His message.
What is His message? It’s the good news of the Kingdom:
- That God so loved the world He gave His only Son (John 3:16)
- That Jesus came not to condemn us, but to save us (John 3:17)
- That the broken, the sinful, the weary, and the ashamed are all welcome at His table
Listening requires more than hearing—it means opening your heart and receiving His words as truth.
2. Believe in the God Who Sent Him
Jesus continues, “…and believe in God who sent Me…” Eternal life doesn’t come from believing in a vague idea of God. It comes from trusting in the One who sent Jesus—believing that the Father loved us enough to send His Son, and that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection made the way for us to be reconciled to Him.
Belief is more than mental agreement—it’s placing your trust in Jesus, surrendering your self-effort, and leaning fully on the grace of God.
3. You Have Eternal Life—Now
Did you catch the tense? Jesus says those who listen and believe have eternal life—present tense. Not “will have one day,” but already possess it. Eternal life isn’t just a ticket to heaven someday; it’s a new kind of life that starts now.
This life is marked by:
- Peace in the middle of storms
- Freedom from shame
- Joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances
- The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit
- A daily walk with a loving Father
4. No Condemnation. No Death. Just Life.
Jesus finishes by saying, “They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” That’s the best news of all.
You don’t have to fear judgment when you’re in Christ. The moment you believe, your record of sin is erased, and your spirit is made alive. You’ve crossed the line—from spiritual death into spiritual life.
You’re no longer under the curse of sin. You’re no longer spiritually dead. You’re alive. You’re free. You’re His.
Final Thoughts
If you’re already walking in this life, rejoice! Keep listening to Jesus’ message every day. Let His words anchor your identity and fuel your purpose.
If you’re still uncertain, this invitation is for you:
Stop. Listen. Believe. Trust. The moment you do, you step from death into life. You don’t earn it. You receive it.
Let today be the day you fully embrace the life Jesus offers.
From death to life. That’s the gospel. That’s the gift.
