“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
John 5:28-29 NIV
This passage describes one of the things that happens at the end of the age when Jesus returns. When the dead will hear his voice and come out of their graves. Those who have done good will rise to live again. In contrast, those who have done evil will rise to face condemnation.
This is a general statement not filled with a lot of detail. But it does make clear that the grave is not the end for anyone. All will be raised from the graves and face God’s judgment. For some, it will be a time of reward. For others, it will be condemnation. But no one will escape this day.
This passage leaves many questions about this resurrection unanswered. Is there only one resurrection? Or does this happen at two distinct times? What is the nature of the condemnation that some face? What will life be like for those who have done good?
But the most important question concerns the distinction between good and evil. What is the basis for this judgment? We find an answer to this in John 3:16-18. Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life. Those who do not will perish. To do good is to believe in Jesus, to give your life to him. While to do evil is to reject Jesus as your Lord.
The grave is not the end. But it does bring an end to your opportunity to believe in Jesus and rise to life on the last day. To reject him now is to face eternal condemnation.
