John 5:24

The present conditional, spiritual resurrection of the soul, John 5:24-25.

24. Heareth my word and believeth This is a conditional quickening or resurrection to the life of the soul. The conditions are hearing, that is listening, voluntarily attending; and believing, that is, accepting the word into our heads, hearts, and lives.

Hath everlasting life Everlasting life is already in him. That life is a present possession which heaven will perpetuate.

Shall not While that life is thus within him. So, on the other hand, John 3:36, he that believeth not shall not see life; that is, unless his unbelief be removed; for the wrath of God abideth on him. So that as eternal death is upon the unbeliever until he is converted, so eternal life is in the believer so long as he is a believer and does not apostatize. When a man is converted his death is removed; when a believer loses his faith, his eternal life is removed from within him.

Is passed Has passed from death unto life. To him this resurrection is already past. The seed or principle of life is within his soul. It is in him a well of water springing up to everlasting life. The life cannot expire, but the well may be removed. See notes on John 4:14.