Die In Your Sins

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: John 8:21-24  (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

21 Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.” 22 The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?” 23 Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. 24 That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”  (John 8:21–24 NLT)

Jesus was teaching in the Temple. Present were Pharisees and teachers of the law, skeptics from among the Jewish people, and Jews who believed in him, along with his own disciples—quite a mixed crowd!

Jesus said, “Unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” Let’s note that a significant portion of the Jewish people weren’t looking forward to heaven, and weren’t afraid of hell, because they didn’t believe in life after death. Their concept of what happens after death was called “the grave.” They believed that when we die, we cease to exist, and our bodies decay in “the grave.” Lights out. That’s it! No wonder the resurrection of Jesus and his promises to resurrect those who believe in him were so controversial!

To die forgiven—that would be good. To die in mercy and grace—wonderful! To die in your sins—what a tragedy! We know that all have sinned. We’re all in need of a redeemer, forgiver, Savior. Here’s what those who opposed Jesus were trusting in:

  • The Pharisees were trusting in correct doctrine and keeping the law for their reward, even though they often didn’t keep it themselves.
  • The Sadducees were trusting in their wealth and power in this life and didn’t believe in life after death.
  • The religious Jews were trusting in their “Jewishness”: “We’re descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We’re OK just the way we are!”
  • The more secular Jewish people were trusting in “I’m better than a Gentile!”

They would die in their sins because in rejecting Jesus, they were rejecting the only way to be right with God and to be free of the burden of their sins.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you that through simple faith in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we’re living in the Spirit and will die in freedom from our sins through your grace and mercy! Amen!