The Evangelist John 8:21-24 Then said Jesus again to them, I go my way, and you shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: where I go, you cannot come.… Observe the infinite difference between dying in our sins, and dying not in our sins. Lazarus, and Dives the rich man, both died — one in his palace, but in his sins; the other famished at the gate, but not in his sins. Stephen was stoned to death, but not in his sins, for he could say Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," "I see the Son of man," etc.; but Judas, in his sins, went and hanged himself. Ananias and Sapphira died in their sins, but the thief upon the cross cast his last look upon the Saviour, and his sins, though many, were instantly forgiven. I. Let us contemplate THIS FEARFUL PREDICTION OF THE CERTAIN END OF ALL UNBELIEVERS. 1. They die under the sentence of Divine condemnation for their sins. 2. They die under the dominion or power of them. 3. Under the guilt and misery of sin. 4. They die to experience the immediate and everlasting punishment denounced upon them. II. THE EXCLUSIVE CONDITION UPON WHICH THIS FEARFUL AND IMPENDING DOOM CAN BE AVERTED. It is involved in the converse of the text — if ye believe not, ye shall die — but if ye believe, ye shall not die. 1. The object of their believing. 2. The nature of their belief. Must be cordial, entire, practical, "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness." 3. The spiritual importance and efficacy of such faith. Saving in its effects by divine appointment. III. APPLICATION. 1. Let those who have faith exercise it on the glorious object. Appreciate the glory and grace of that Saviour by faith in whom they have life everlasting. 2. Let those who believe not in Jesus remember — ." They are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (The Evangelist.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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