John 3:36

[cih1355]

John 3:36 says, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

Just out of curiosity, why does the second half of this verse say "he who does not obey the Son" instead of "he who does not believe the Son"?

 

[Goodcheer68]

I would think that by saying "he who does not obey the Son" is already assuming that they don't believe and you know this by their disobedience. If they truly believe they will obey.

Hope that helps...

 

[Jack K]

The structure shows that the words "believe" and "not obey" are used here as opposites.

So the belief John is talking about here is a saving faith, which will bring about obedience in the life of the one who believes. This is consistent with how John uses the word through his account of the gospel.

And the obedience John is talking about here includes obedience to the call to believe in faith. In fact, the Greek "apeitheo" (disobey) is sometimes translated as "not believe."

 

[CharlieJ]

John 6:29 29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

 

[athanatos]

Belief and obedience ought not be divorced.