Scripture: John 5:25 (ESV) – “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.”
This verse carries both urgency and assurance. Jesus declares that a time is not only coming—but has already arrived—when the spiritually dead will hear His voice and come to life. His words reach into the grave of unbelief and summon men to salvation. This is the miracle of regeneration.
William Gouge, reflecting on the power of Christ’s word, taught that when the gospel is preached, it is not bare instruction, but divine summons. Christ speaks not only to the ear, but through the ear—to the soul. Those whom the Father has chosen will hear, and in hearing, they will live. This “hearing” is not passive reception, but spiritual awakening.
Jesus refers here to the present spiritual resurrection that occurs when a man believes. This is not yet the bodily resurrection—that will come—but the first resurrection of the soul. And it happens whenever the voice of Christ pierces the heart. The same voice that stilled storms and called Lazarus from the tomb now calls sinners to life.
Gouge emphasized that this is entirely a work of grace. The dead do not wake themselves. The voice of the Son creates the very life it calls for. This verse should humble the proud and embolden the preacher. Salvation belongs to the Lord, but He uses means—His Word, preached and heard.
Reflection Questions:
- What does it mean to hear the voice of the Son of God? Have you heard Him calling you to life?
- Do you think of salvation as something you initiated, or as a miracle Christ accomplished by calling you from death?
- How can this truth shape the way you pray for and witness to those who are still spiritually dead?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life. Thank You for calling me from death to life with Your powerful word. Help me to never forget that I live because You spoke. Use me as a vessel to carry Your Word to others, and may Your voice awaken many to life everlasting. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 5:25 and informed by William Gouge’s Puritan theology of regeneration and effectual calling.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 