INTRO—READ JOHN 8:12-30
Do you have enough religion to save yourself? Is this because of your knowledge of scripture, or, is this because of your genealogy--your parents were religious; you were born into the church so therefore you are saved?
Jews of Jesus day believed this way. They had the Law of Moses; they lived by it daily. Being born a Jew made them a child of God; unlike Samaritans or Gentiles. They were religious; they knew God. They could properly discern the scriptures and quickly tell others how to live. Yet they would not live righteously themselves.
I’m afraid that is the same human behavior of religious groups today. Many have great knowledge of scriptures yet cannot rightly discern its message.
The Pharisees knew a Messiah was to come into the world. He had been foretold in scripture. John the Baptist had foretold of his coming. John even said he was not the Christ. (John 1:19-28). They knew Christ was to come but failed to see him as this one named Jesus—even the man John the Baptist baptized in the river Jordan. (John 1:29-34). Later, because of the influences of the Pharisees and others, John even questioned Jesus if he was the Christ. (Luke 7:18-23) Yet they marveled at Jesus’ teachings and miracles. (John 7:1-3; 8-15). However, with all he said and did, they could not believe him; they were deceived. (John 7:25-31).
Jesus begins to speak to them about their being deceived.
This brings me to the point of the lesson. Who will be saved? Or, who will not be saved and spend an eternity in Hell?
When someone dies, judgment seems to be placed upon that individual. (Luke 16:19-31; the story of the rich man and Lazarus). People die in many different manners and at various times—usually unexpectedly. Fire, drowning, automobile accident, suicide, fatal illness, gunfire—as we see more regularly, daily. These are just a few ways death occurs to someone. This first death, separation of body and soul, delivers one into judgment. Is one way to die any worse than another? If so, which is the worst?
I contend there is—DYING IN YOUR SINS. Jesus said in John 8:12 he is the light of the world. The Jews were looking for the Messiah and many were deceived that he was not the one John the Baptist came before. They did not recognize Jesus because he did not fit their expectation for their Savior. So, Jesus said, ‘I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and ye shall die in your sins.’ John 8:21.
Jesus warned those seeking a Messiah, and not recognizing Him as God’s Son, and as the Christ, that they would die in their sins. That would be the worst way to die.
Who then will die in their sins?
#1 Those Deceived—John 8:21-22. 21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. 22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
The Jews were more concerned by his statement, ‘whither I go, ye cannot come.’ The Pharisees could not see the forest for the trees. They were preoccupied with themselves.
Do we get preoccupied with trivial matters that we, too, do not see the truth before us? We become deceived by our own volition? The Jews were already condemned—they deceived themselves.
Who then will die in their sins?
#2 Those Distracted—vs. 23. 23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Jesus said these people were from the world. They were distracted by the things of the world.
Do we get distracted by worldly guided teachings rather than the Word of God? With so many denominations of Christianity, it stands to reason man is guided by teachings of men rather than teachings of God.
Can we be misguided by man’s interpretations? Sure! Satan wants us to be distracted by worldly cares and lusts. He wants us to be deceived by man’s interpretations instead of seeking to find truth in the study of scripture. If we do not seek truth, we will believe anything. Every one must desire to ‘diligently’ add to our faith. (2 Peter 1:5-10)
Will you recognize and accept Jesus above family; friends; Satan? To not die in your sins, everyone who seeks salvation must.
Matt. 10:37-39. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Who then will die in their sins?
#3 Those Disbelieving—vs. 24. 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
If you do not accept and believe that the Son of God as the Messiah, you will also die in your sins. (vs. 24)
John 3:16-18. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Accepting Jesus is to do as He commands. To be loved by him and the Father is to remain in his love by doing all his commandments. And, His commandments are not burdensome.
John 14:15, 21; 15:10. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.; 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.; 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
Who then will die in their sins?
#4 Those Defiant—vs. 25-29. 25 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
These people did not want to hear his teachings to accept them; they were defiant. Those who refuse to accept Jesus today are defiant and will also die in their sins. The scripture of the Jews, the Old Testament writings, foretold of this man Jesus as being the Christ, Messiah. Yet they will not accept him as Savior. They are defiant.
In order to be saved, one must believe He is He, sent to reward God’s chosen people. (Heb. 11:6)
Who then will die in their sins?
#5 Those Delaying—vs. 30. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
Many believed—BUT MANY MORE DID NOT! Those who did not believe continued to be deceived and to deceive; they were also defiant.
Perhaps some just delayed their acceptance. Could they have died also in their sins? Apparently, those who believed accepted Jesus without delay. To delay your opportunity for salvation is a possible grave risk. When they recognized their peril, they immediately took action to rectify their condition. They would not hesitate to obtain salvation at that present time. Vs. 30 says many believed; implying many accepted Jesus as the Messiah.
To those who believed, Jesus encouraged them. John 8:31-32. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
‘If ye continue in my word,’ Jesus said, then you will finish the command to be saved. Jesus and the Holy Spirit told Peter to teach the believers to be baptized for the remission of their sins. (Acts 2:38; Mt. 28:19-20)
Do you know the Truth this morning? Will you allow it to set you free from sin and be saved? Do not delay and thus, die in your sins. Delaying might be the worst way to die. We are not promised tomorrow. ‘For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appears for a little time, and then vanisheth away.’ James 4:14.
Do not be like the Pharisees, even people of today. Do not be deceived, distracted by the world; disbelieving in the Son of God, nor be defiant against God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is they who are pleading for you to come to righteousness. Most of all, do not delay being saved. Come to Jesus; believe in him, confess His Holy name and be obedient even unto baptism; washing away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. The sooner your sin is ‘washed away’, the sooner you will be saved from a sinful condition you are in. All men have sin. (Romans 3:23)
If you were to die today, do not die in the worst possible way, in your sins. Die in Christ.
