John 5:28-29: The Son Gives Life to Whom He Wills

Bishop Williamson begins this session with an analogy comparing the relationship between the Father and the Son to the industrial processes of a river barge operation, where a crane moves cargo between compartments. He then turns to the text of John 5:28-29, addressing the accusation of the Jews regarding Jesus working on the Sabbath. He emphasizes the unity of the Father and the Son, noting that the Father works through the Son, and explains the nature of the Son's authority to judge and give life, which is derived directly from the Father.The lecture proceeds through several key theological points, including the nature of the four arguments for Christ's divinity: His relationship with the Father, the witness of His works, the testimony of John the Baptist, and His own self-testimony. Williamson discusses the concept of consubstantiality and the necessity of good works alongside faith for the resurrection of life, contrasting this position with the errors of Calvinism and Lutheranism. He also addresses the question of how Christ, as the God-man, exercises judgment, noting that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son. He explains that the resurrection of the dead at the end of time will involve both the resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment, and he highlights the significance of the Son's role in this process.He concludes by reiterating that the Son does nothing of His own independent will, but only what He hears from the Father. He warns against the error of interpreting Christ's words as a claim to independent human authority, stressing that Christ's testimony is grounded in the divine unity of the Father and the Son. He ends by underscoring the necessity of believing in the Son to have eternal life, as the Son is the source of life and judgment, and His works serve as the ultimate witness to His mission.