One of the primary motivations to become a Christian is the reception of myriad spiritual blessings when one has that relationship with God and His Son. We speak of the hope of eternal life, the forgiveness of sins, the peace which passes understanding, the fellowship of God’s people, and heaven, the place of eternal rest and happiness.
While such positive motivations lead us to obedience to the gospel, and zeal in the Christian walk, there are other equally valid reasons to be a child of God. Some of these could be grouped into the category of “What We Escape” because of our faith. Notice a few of these things, as found in the gospel of John.
Shall Not Come Into Judgment
“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” (5:24). What is significant in this passage, and those to follow, is that the reason we escape judgment is the relationship we sustain with Jesus Christ. Our faith in Jesus helps us to avoid the judgment (KJV, “condemnation”) that will be suffered by those outside of the body of Christ.
Shall Not Walk in Darkness
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life'” (8:12). The world is in darkness. This metaphor is used variously to describe the ignorance of the world, the evil of the world, the aversion to truth and righteousness, and the separation from God. In Christ, we escape such a fate, and bask in the glorious reflection of His majesty.
Shall Never Hunger
“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst'” (6:35). The next two references have to do with metaphors of eternal life. We are sustained forever as a result of our relationship to the Master. Jesus refers to himself as the “bread of life.” He sustains us spiritually as food sustains us physically. If we are in him, we will want for nothing. We will always be satisfied and nourished. In contrast, the world is starving and destitute… and ignorant of it. (Remember the admonition of the church at Laodicea, which Jesus called to repentance, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17)). The unfortunate truth about the unredeemed is that he is often unaware of his state.
Shall Never Thirst
Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (4:13-14). Again, this is a reference to the spiritual sustenance we receive in Christ. Jesus used the location of His conversation with the Samaritan woman to reveal His work of redemption. At Jacob’s well there was physical water, which gives sustenance and satisfaction for a time. But, Christ, as the fountain of life, gives eternal sustenance and satisfaction to the child of God. When the woman later referred to the coming Messiah, Jesus revealed to her, “I who speak to you am He” (4:26).
Shall Not Be Snatched Out of the Lord’s Hand
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (10:28). A comforting aspect of the relationship we have with Jesus is found in the realization of His position and power. Because of who He is, and His preeminence, it is impossible for His enemies to stand against Him. He is the protector of the Christian. If we are with Jesus, we are safe from the grasp of our enemy.
Shall Never Die
“Jesus said to her [Martha], ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'” (11:25-26). Finally, we see the contrast. Life or death? For the lost, there is no hope. Only separation from God. For the righteous? “Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Praise be to God for our relationship with Him!
