Any Reference To Verse 39 And 40 Further Biblical Explanation?
Understanding Verses 39 and 40 in Biblical Context
Verses 39 and 40 appear in many chapters throughout Scripture, but two of the most frequently discussed are found in the New Testament: John 6:39-40 and Romans 8:39-40 (although Romans 8 has no verse 40, the theological focus is often on verse 39). For this study, we will focus on John 6:39-40, as it provides a rich foundation for understanding Christ's promise of eternal life and God's sovereign will.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that of all that which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. - John 6:39-40 ASV
1. The Father's Will and the Security of Believers
Jesus clearly declares that He came to fulfill the will of the Father. The Father's will is that none of those whom He has given to the Son will be lost. This speaks to the security of salvation for the believer—those who have genuinely placed their faith in Christ are preserved by His power.
This assurance is echoed elsewhere in Scripture:
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. - John 10:27-28 ASV
The promise of eternal security is not based on our ability to hold onto God but on God’s ability to hold onto us.
2. The Requirement: Beholding and Believing the Son
The second emphasis in these verses is the necessity of faith. The one who beholds the Son and believes in Him is the recipient of eternal life. This highlights salvation by grace through faith, not by works.
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
The centrality of Christ is unmistakable: seeing (recognizing) and believing in Jesus is the way to eternal life.
3. The Promise: Resurrection at the Last Day
Jesus promises, “I will raise him up at the last day.” This future hope points to the physical resurrection of believers, a foundational doctrine in the Christian faith.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 ASV
This resurrection is not a vague spiritual state, but a real, bodily resurrection promised to all who belong to Christ.
4. God's Initiative and Human Response
While God is the one who gives people to the Son, human responsibility is also present: we are called to behold and believe. The mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is held together in Scripture, though not fully explained. Mainstream evangelical teaching affirms both God's initiative in salvation and the necessity of personal faith.
5. Assurance and Hope for the Believer
These verses offer strong assurance: Christ will not lose anyone the Father has given Him. Our hope is grounded in the unchanging will of God and the finished work of Christ.
Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6 ASV
Conclusion
John 6:39-40 provides a powerful summary of the gospel: God's sovereign initiative, Christ's saving work, the call to faith, the promise of eternal life, and the assurance of resurrection. These truths call us to trust fully in Christ and rest in the certainty of His promises.