In John 5:28-29 the Bible says “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
This verse has me concerned as a believer in Jesus Christ. I was curious to know if this scripture pertains to unbelievers when it says “and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” Those that have done good and receive eternal life are believers, correct?
Because the heart of man is incurably wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), the only thing we can do that’s good is to believe in the one God sent to die for our sins. For that reason no amount of good works can gain us entry into God’s kingdom. Our belief in the Lord’s completed work on our behalf is the only thing that will suffice (John 3:3).
That means the people who don’t accept the Lord’s sacrifice on their behalf can only do evil in His sight, no matter how good their behavior seems to us (Matt. 7:22-23).
Therefore, John 5:28-29 confirms again that it’s what we believe that saves us, not how we behave. Only believers will inherit eternal life.