John 6:39 – “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus reveals a powerful promise: all who belong to Him will be kept safe and raised up on the last day. This is part of His teaching about God’s will and salvation, and it gives deep assurance to believers.

Here’s what Jesus is saying:

1. God’s will is to save and keep those who belong to Jesus.
   • Salvation is not based on human effort—it is God’s plan and purpose.
   • Those whom God gives to Jesus are secure in Him.
2. Jesus will not lose anyone who comes to Him.
   • Once someone truly belongs to Christ, they cannot be lost.
   • Jesus promises that He will not fail in His mission to save those given to Him by the Father.
3. Resurrection is guaranteed for believers.
   • Jesus promises to raise up His followers on the last day—a clear reference to the resurrection of the dead.
   • This is not just about spiritual salvation now, but about eternal life in the future.

This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s salvation is secure and that those who trust in Jesus have a future resurrection and eternal life.

Historical Context

Jesus spoke these words to a crowd that had just witnessed the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-14). Many of them followed Him hoping for more food, but Jesus was pointing them to something far greater—eternal life.

The Jewish people were familiar with the idea of God’s will and the concept of resurrection. The Old Testament teaches that God has a sovereign plan, and many Jews believed in a final resurrection (Daniel 12:2). However, they did not fully understand how Jesus fit into that plan.

When Jesus said that He would raise up His followers on the last day, He was making a bold claim:

• He has authority over life and death.
• He is the fulfillment of God’s salvation plan.
• He guarantees eternal life for those who believe in Him.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important theological truths:

1. The security of salvation.
   • Those who belong to Jesus will never be lost.
   • Jesus is fully capable of keeping those who trust in Him until the end.
2. God’s sovereign will in salvation.
   • Salvation is not random—it is part of God’s perfect plan.
   • Those who come to Jesus are given to Him by the Father (John 6:37).
3. The promise of resurrection.
   • Jesus guarantees that those who believe in Him will be raised up on the last day.
   • This is a clear reference to the bodily resurrection of believers when Jesus returns.

This verse assures us that salvation is secure in Christ, and death is not the end for those who trust in Him.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of a larger conversation where Jesus explains that He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). In this section:

• Jesus talks about God’s will and His role in fulfilling it.
• He emphasizes that salvation is secure for those who belong to Him.
• He introduces the idea of a future resurrection—one of the main themes of His teaching.

John’s Gospel often highlights themes of divine authority and eternal life. This verse connects with other key statements Jesus makes, such as:

• John 10:28-29 – No one can snatch believers out of Jesus’ hand.
• John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life.”

This verse also sets up what Jesus will say later in John 6:40—that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life and be raised up on the last day.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 6:40 – “Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
• John 10:28-29 – Jesus says that no one can take His followers out of His hand.
• Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate believers from the love of God.
• Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – The dead in Christ will rise first when Jesus returns.

These verses all confirm that salvation is secure and that believers will be raised up at the final resurrection.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Salvation is secure in Jesus.
   • If you belong to Christ, you cannot lose your salvation—He promises to keep you.
2. You don’t have to fear death.
   • Jesus promises a future resurrection for all who trust in Him.
   • Death is not the end—eternal life is guaranteed.
3. God’s will is unshakable.
   • Jesus’ mission was to do the Father’s will, and He will not fail in saving His people.
   • If God has called you to Christ, you are forever His.

This verse gives Christians deep confidence—Jesus will never fail to keep those who belong to Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s love is seen in His plan for salvation.
   • He sent Jesus so that no one who belongs to Him will be lost.
   • His desire is to save, not condemn (John 3:16-17).
2. God’s love is seen in Jesus’ faithfulness.
   • Jesus doesn’t just save people—He keeps them and secures their future.
   • His love is eternal—it doesn’t change or fade away.
3. God’s love is seen in the promise of resurrection.
   • He doesn’t just care about our life now—He has a plan for eternity.
   • The resurrection is the ultimate proof that God’s love overcomes death itself.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse reveals the heart of Jesus’ mission:

1. He came to fulfill the Father’s will.
   • His mission was not about Himself—it was about saving people and keeping them secure.
2. He is the one who guarantees eternal life.
   • Only Jesus can raise people up on the last day.
   • He has authority over life and death (John 11:25).
3. He never loses those who belong to Him.
   • Some fear they might “fall away,” but Jesus promises to hold on to His people forever.

Jesus is not just a teacher or miracle worker—He is the Savior who secures eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse give you confidence in your salvation?
2. What does Jesus’ promise to raise believers on the last day mean for your view of death?
3. How can knowing that Jesus will never lose His followers bring peace in difficult times?
4. How does this verse challenge the idea that salvation depends on human effort?
5. What does this verse teach about God’s power and faithfulness?