Jn.5.29 is often used as a text to affirm ECT. But let’s look at it in context and in the Greek.
24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
First note that Jesus affirms that those who have faith in Jesus have already passed from death to life. So could it be that judgment is a means of passing from death to life. We’ve already embraced the judgment of God and recognize our need of forgiveness and restored relationship with God. We’ve been convicted of our sins and repented, turning to God.
Second note that Jesus affirms that all the “dead will hear the voice of the Son of God” and thus live. Does this mean then that all shall have eternal life? It seems to follow based on the immediately preceeding scentence.
Then note that Jesus says that even those in the graves will hear his voice and come forth, and it makes sence then that Life will follow for they too have heard the voice of the Sone of God.
The following scentence, vs.29 is what I’d like to propose can be interpreted differently than the way it is commonly interpreted.
οἱ τὰ ἀγαθὰ ποιήσαντες, εἰς ἀνάστασιν ζωῆς, οἱ δὲ τὰ φαῦλα πράξαντες, εἰς ἀνάστασιν κρίσεως.
ἀγαθὰ - good, ποιήσαντες - poieo, verb, to do, to make. The significant thing is that poieo is in Mood a “Participle”.
*The Greek participle corresponds for the most part to the English participle, reflecting “-ing” or “-ed” being suffixed to the basic verb form. The participle can be used either like a verb or a noun, as in English, and thus is often termed a “verbal noun.” *
In other words this phrase ἀγαθὰ ποιήσαντες can be translated as “good doings” or “good things done”.
This next phrase, φαῦλα πράξαντες is the same.
**φαῦλα **- phaulos, evil, and πράξαντες - prasso, verb, to practice, to exercise (habitually) is in Mood also a “Participle”.
In other words the phrase φαῦλα πράξαντες can be translated as “evil practices” or even “evil habits”.
Translating this verse as “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— good things done to the resurrection of life and evil habits to the resurrection of condemnation.”
If one translates it as “people that do good” to the ressurrection of life, and “people who practice evil”, then this means that those who have not believed in Jesus, if they’ve lead a good life will attain the ressurection of life. And if one equates ressurection of condemnation with Hell (as most infernalists do) then whether one goes to heaven or hell is based on how good a person is, not on whether they have faith in Christ or not.
It makes much more sence to me that 5.29 is speaking of eternal judgment. Coming to have faith in Jesus, we’ve already begun the process of embracing judgment and repenting. Even so of course, Paul speaks of some things in our lives being burnt up through judgment, the wood, hay, and stubble, the worthless things.
It’s also interesting the contrast between poieo/do and prasso/practice. It’s as if every little good thing a person does (believer or unbeliever) will be celebrated. But God knows that He must deal with the evil practices. Note that He doesn’t even mention evil “doings”.
I believe that judgment is an eternal reality, just like life and punishment are eternal realities. (Eternal in the sense of time-transending).
Judgment is based on works. But salvation is based on Grace. I believe that judgment also flows out of grace. And mercy certainly triumphs over judgment.
When I read this passage it gives me great hope for everyone, even me. I get the feeling that God celebrates every good thing we do, but it also warns me that our evil habits must be dealt with. It’s just good parenting skills!
I know what I’ve written is a little disjointed. I just wanted to open this passage up for discussion and get your thoughts on it too. Thanks
Thanks for sharing this. It’s really interesting. I enjoyed reading it.