Scripture: John 5:24 (ESV) – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
This verse is one of the clearest gospel declarations in all of Scripture. Jesus speaks with solemn authority—“Truly, truly”—and offers the stunning promise that eternal life is not merely future, but present. The one who hears His word and believes the Father has eternal life, even now. They do not await judgment—they have already passed from death to life.
William Gouge, in his rich reflections on justification and union with Christ, would point to this verse as a gospel anchor. For Gouge, the movement from death to life is not a gradual religious improvement but a decisive spiritual resurrection wrought by faith. It is not works, feelings, or rituals that secure this passage—it is the hearing of Christ’s word and believing the Father who sent Him.
Note the simplicity and power of the condition: hear and believe. And the outcome? Eternal life now, freedom from future condemnation, and a present status of having already crossed the line from spiritual death to spiritual life. This is the heart of gospel assurance. The believer is not waiting on probation. He or she is already alive in Christ, and judgment is no longer a threat but a settled issue—Christ bore it all.
Gouge would emphasize that this truth should lead to comfort for the weary soul and boldness in faith. If you are in Christ, you are no longer under wrath. You are no longer walking among the spiritually dead. You are alive. Secure. Justified.
Reflection Questions:
- What does it mean to “hear” Christ’s word? How is this different from simply knowing about Him?
- Do you live with the assurance that you have already passed from death to life through faith in Christ?
- How might this verse change your view of judgment day or your daily confidence in God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the clarity and comfort of Your words. Thank You that through faith in You, I have passed from death to life and will not face condemnation. Strengthen my faith, renew my joy, and help me to walk in the freedom and peace that comes from knowing I am truly Yours. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 5:24 and shaped by William Gouge’s Puritan reflections on saving faith, assurance, and the believer’s new life in Christ.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 