John 6:40 – “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus clearly explains God’s will regarding salvation. He assures us that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life and be raised up on the last day.
There are three key points in this verse:
- Salvation is God’s will.
- Jesus says that it is the Father’s will that people receive eternal life.
- This means that salvation is not based on human efforts but on God’s plan.
- Eternal life comes through believing in Jesus.
- Jesus says that those who look to the Son and believe in Him will have eternal life.
- This shows that salvation is not about good works or religious rituals—it is about faith in Christ.
- There is a future resurrection.
- Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will be raised up on the last day.
- This means that eternal life is not just a spiritual reality now, but also a physical resurrection in the future.
This verse gives great assurance to those who trust in Jesus—eternal life is secure, and our future resurrection is guaranteed.
Historical Context
At the time Jesus spoke these words, many Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to establish God’s kingdom on earth. However, they expected a political leader, not a Savior who would offer eternal life through faith.
Jesus had just fed the five thousand (John 6:1-14), and the people wanted more signs (John 6:30). They referenced manna from heaven, expecting Jesus to provide physical food like Moses had in the wilderness (Exodus 16).
But Jesus was trying to shift their focus:
- They were thinking about earthly bread.
- Jesus was offering eternal life.
Many Jews also believed in a final resurrection (Daniel 12:2), but they did not fully understand how it related to Jesus. By saying, “I will raise them up at the last day,” Jesus was claiming authority over resurrection—something only God could do.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights several key theological truths:
- Salvation is open to all who believe.
- Jesus says “everyone” who looks to Him and believes will have eternal life.
- This means salvation is not limited to a certain group—it is available to all who trust in Christ.
- Faith in Jesus is the only way to eternal life.
- Many people think they can earn their way to heaven through good deeds.
- But Jesus makes it clear: salvation comes only through faith in Him.
- There is a future resurrection for believers.
- Jesus doesn’t just promise spiritual life now—He promises a physical resurrection.
- This means death is not the end for those who believe in Him.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel often emphasizes contrasts between earthly and eternal things.
- The people wanted physical bread → Jesus offered eternal life.
- They focused on temporary needs → Jesus pointed to everlasting salvation.
- They expected a political Messiah → Jesus offered a spiritual kingdom.
This verse also contains parallel ideas:
- Looking to the Son → Believing in Him
- Receiving eternal life → Being raised up on the last day
This structure reinforces the message: faith in Jesus leads to eternal life and future resurrection.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 5:24 – “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
- John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed… the dead will be raised imperishable.”
- Revelation 20:6 – “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.”
All these verses confirm that faith in Jesus guarantees eternal life and resurrection.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
- You can be certain of your salvation.
- If you have trusted in Jesus, your eternal life is secure.
- You don’t have to wonder if you are “good enough”—Jesus has already done the work.
- Death is not the end.
- Jesus promises that He will raise believers to eternal life.
- This gives hope and comfort, especially when facing loss or suffering.
- Salvation is for everyone who believes.
- No one is too sinful to come to Christ.
- The invitation is open to anyone who puts their faith in Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
- God’s will is to save, not to condemn.
- Jesus says that it is God’s will to give eternal life to those who believe.
- This shows that God’s desire is not to destroy people but to bring them to salvation.
- God made salvation simple and accessible.
- He doesn’t require impossible tasks—He simply calls people to believe in Jesus.
- God promises to finish what He starts.
- Jesus doesn’t just save people in the present—He guarantees their future resurrection.
This verse is a reminder that God’s love is eternal, and His plan for salvation is secure.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
- Jesus is the only way to eternal life.
- Many people believe there are many paths to God, but Jesus says eternal life comes only through Him.
- John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Jesus has authority over life and death.
- By saying, “I will raise them up on the last day,” Jesus is making a divine claim.
- Only God has the power to give life—and Jesus promises to do exactly that.
- Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father’s will.
- He came to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
- His life, death, and resurrection completed the work of bringing eternal life to believers.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse give you confidence in your salvation?
- What does it mean to “look to the Son” and believe in Him?
- Why is Jesus’ promise of resurrection on the last day so important?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that we must earn our way to God?
- Who in your life needs to hear the message of eternal life through Jesus?