26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Do you believe this?”
Jesus was here asking Martha for her commitment to believe what He had just said, a challenge to faith. His asking refers to whether she believed that He guaranteed resurrection and eternal life to anyone who believes in Him. He did not ask her to believe that He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead momentarily.
PRINCIPLE:
It is by faith alone that one receives eternal life.
APPLICATION:
It is by faith and faith alone whereby the truth of Jesus’ statement comes true. His promises must be personally appropriated.
Jesus moved the idea of the resurrection from a doctrine of the future to His person. Martha looked to a future resurrection, but Jesus changed it to His person and present ability. She did not have a clue that He would raise her brother immediately. Jesus changed her thinking from the future to the present.
Those still alive and believing at the Lord’s return will never die. Physical death never interrupts eternal life.
