simplest expression of salvation, eternal life and freedom from condemnation in the N.T.

It mattered not whether a Gentile or a Jew were listening to the Lord's words, if they

responded by faith, then this salvation was theirs. And this is still true today.

Here is a good example of basic or foundational truth which is truth for all time. Sin

and death are not dispensational, nor is God's remedy for them dispensational. God has

only one way of removing sin and justifying the sinner, namely by the redemptive work

of His beloved Son and this is received on the principle of faith and John's Gospel gives

a clear witness to these facts.

This being so, we must carefully distinguish what is dispensational in this Gospel

from what is basic and unchanging. If we do not do this our exposition is bound to be

unbalanced and lop-sided. On the other hand, if we do it, the purpose of God for the

heaven and earth becomes clearer and more wonderful. To have an inheritance in any

part of these spheres is a tremendous privilege and reveals how great is the love and grace

of God which alone makes it possible. Human goodness and merit cannot intrude here.

We are in the hand of One Who is working "all things after the counsel of His own

will" (Eph. 1: 11), and the design that He has will surely be fulfilled in His time and His

own way. Because of this we can go on in "full assurance of faith" and not be moved by

anything around us.

Like the Psalmist, we look forward to resurrection glory and can say with him, "I shall

be satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness" (Psa. 17: 15).