“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.” – John 5:24 (NKJV)
Jesus’ words are simple yet powerful: those who believe in Him have already crossed over from death to life. Notice the past tense—has passed. This means our position has already changed; judgment is no longer a future threat hovering over us. In Christ, condemnation has been removed, and life has been secured.
Many live with the silent fear that God is waiting to punish them for every mistake. But the gospel assures us otherwise. The cross has settled the matter once and for all. Christ bore the judgment, so what remains for us is the gift of grace, the embrace of love, and the security of eternal life.
Because of this, we no longer serve God out of fear of punishment, but out of the joy of being fully accepted. Fear of hell has been replaced with confidence in heaven’s verdict. As Paul reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The case against us is closed. The Judge has declared us righteous.
And with this truth, our hearts can rest. The spirit we now walk in is not fear but assurance, not dread but peace. Just as John writes: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). In Christ, love has cast out fear.
Father, thank You that in Christ there is no condemnation, no lingering judgment, and no unfinished penalty. Thank You that I live in the security of Your grace and the safety of Your love. Teach me to serve You not in fear, but in freedom, peace, and overflowing gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
