“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.” — John 5:28–29 

Judgment Day is a divine certainty—a moment when every soul will stand before the eternal Judge. In John 5:28–29, Jesus clearly speaks of two destinies: the resurrection of life for those who have done good and the resurrection of damnation for those who have done evil.

But what defines good and evil in the sight of God?

It is not merely about human morality or kindness. True goodness, as described in this scripture, is the life that is birthed by the Spirit of God. Only those who have received Jesus Christ and walk according to His Spirit can be counted righteous before God. Their goodness is not their own—it is the righteousness of Christ living through them.

“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”— Romans 8:8 (KJV)

Those without the Spirit, no matter how charitable or ethical they may seem, remain in the flesh—and the flesh profits nothing (John 6:63). The flesh is at war with God, and flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50).

To inherit eternal life, we must be born of the Spirit. The Spirit of God is our seal, our guide, and our guarantee of heavenly citizenship.

“Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”— Romans 8:9 (KJV)

Once we receive the Holy Spirit, we don’t stop there. We must be instructed, discipled, and transformed to walk according to the Spirit. The Spirit leads us into all truth, molds our character, and aligns us with God’s will—preparing us for our divine inheritance.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”— Romans 8:14 

A Spirit-filled believer cannot walk into damnation, for the Spirit in them is from God and returns to God. Damnation is the end of those who walk in rebellion, possessing not the Spirit of God but the spirit of the world—which is from the enemy.

Your inheritance is not based on performance but on possession—the possession of the Holy Spirit. He is the mark of the believer and the key to life eternal.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth… ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession…”— Ephesians 1:13–14 (KJV)

Let this truth anchor your soul: if you have the Spirit of God, you have passed from death to life, from judgment to joy, from flesh to eternal inheritance.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you for calling me out of darkness and into your marvelous light. I ask for grace to live by the Spirit daily and to walk in truth and righteousness. Prepare me for my eternal inheritance, and help me lead others into Your Kingdom. Let my life be a testimony of Your Spirit within me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Bible Verses

• Romans 8:1

• Galatians 5:25 

• Titus 3:5–6

• 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9

• Matthew 25:34