What the gospel demands

In John 4, Jesus spoke with the woman at the well. This was an awkward situation because in Jewish society, women were viewed as second class citizens. One would not have normally thought that the Lord would have spoken to her. But that’s not all. She was also a sinner -- guilty of the sin of adultery. John 4:18 says, “For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.”

Jesus told this sinful woman that “the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14). The “living water” the Lord offered could not compare to anything this woman had ever experienced, but in order to enjoy it she had to get her life right. God requires more than just belief. After we believe in the gospel, we have to repent (Acts 17:30), confess (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38). At this point we enjoy “living water,” and if we are faithful, the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

Kyle Campbell