The Son – Part 2

19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.
20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.
21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.
22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,
23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
(Jn. 5:19-23 ESV)

In my article last month, we considered this passage from the Gospel of John and that in it Jesus informs his audience that He, the Son, is equal to the Father in four ways.

The Son is equal to the Father in works (vv.19-20).
The Son is equal to the Father in giving life (v.21).
The Son is equal to the Father in judgement (v.22).
The Son is equal to the Father in honor (v.23).

Last month’s post focused on the first point, The Son is equal to the Father in works. This month I would like to consider the second point, The Son is equal to the Father in giving life.

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

Did you notice the wording of this verse concerning the Son? Like the Father, the Son has authority to give “life to whom he will.” Life and death are the prerogative of God. The Father and Son are not obligated to grant life to anyone. The Son gives life to whom he will. It is at His discretion not our demanding or assumption.  Earlier in John’s Gospel we find these words, 

11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
(Jn. 1:11-13 ESV)

He, in this passage, is the Word of God. He is the Son. His own did not receive him but to all who did receive him HE gave the right to become children of God. Those who become children of God do so solely by the will of God (v.13). Salvation is by the gracious and merciful decree of God. It is not achieved by sweat of the brow and it is not a birthright.

In your counseling, look for signs that the Son has granted life. Help those who think good works merit salvation see that it is granted by God. Where little or no signs are seen, pray that the Son would graciously grant life.

By His Grace Alone,

Josh