Some people have the point of view that when you die, if you have lived a good life you will go to heaven and if you have lived a bad life you will go to hell. They could even yank the above Bible verses out of context and make a case for their point of view. However, we’ve only to look at one word in Jn 5:28-29 to get a better understanding of what these verses are really saying.
If we look more fully at the word translated good in verse 29 we will be able to see more of the essential meaning of these verses.
The word does not mean just being good, but of also having the ability to produce much more goodness through that special quality that it possesses. If it were describing soil, the soil would be described as 'good soil’ or fertile soil - soil that has not only great potential to produce but will produce abundantly. It’s soil that gives itself to the purpose of being useful, productive, profitable and dependable. It is soil that produces ‘much fruit.’
If this word were used to describe a fruit tree, the tree would consistently be a very fruitful and healthy tree with fruit that is always big, delicious and juicy. ‘Its fruit would never fail.’
This word does not mean just good, but it means a special kind of good. It is an excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable good that not only has the potential of doing or producing good, but does in fact do just that. It is a good that not only has promise and potential, but also has production and product with quality, quantity, consistency, dependability, and longevity.
Jesus tells his audience not to be amazed as He unfolds His most startling claim of all: “A time is coming when all who are in the their graves will hear his voice and come out-those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.”
What does it mean to “do good?” This is just a few verses away from where Jesus talks about the gift of eternal life. To “do good,” means to have received eternal life. Only those in whom the life of God is dwelling can “do good.” Those who have obeyed His word, walked in fellowship with Him, and shared His life are the ones who have “done good.” At the same time, those who have “done evil” are those who have refused His life, who have turned their backs on the truth. Even if they think of themselves as “good people” who do “good works,” they will come forth to the “resurrection of judgment” if they have not received the free gift of eternal life in Christ. (Ray Stedman)
By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (Jn 5:30)
“In this passage,” writes Stedman “Jesus gives us a final reassuring testimony to the fact that even though we must all die and meet our final destiny, Jesus will do what is right and just. Jesus holds our destiny in His hands…Will He be our Savior-or our Judge?”
