Ye Will Die In Your Sins

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.