John 8:18-21

18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”

19 Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”

20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come.

21 Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.”

“The Choice…Jesus or the World: Without Jesus, We Will Die in Our Sin”

Jesus told His accusers once again that He is His own witness, and His Father who sent Him is also His witness. How do these people respond? They ask where His Father is, to which Jesus tells them in verse 19 that they would know His Father if they knew Him. The only way to know God is through Jesus Christ. By rejecting Jesus, these people are rejecting God. God and Jesus are a package deal. Verse 20 says that Jesus was teaching in the treasury of the temple. Again, we see God’s timetable. No one was able to lay hands on Jesus, because His hour had not yet come. The timing had to be perfectly in line with God’s plan, as is everything in our lives, even today. 

In verse 21, Jesus repeats something that He said earlier in John 7:33-34, where He said, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” However, in verse 21, He adds another mic drop statement to this. He said that He is going away, and they will seek Him, but where He goes, they cannot come. Why can’t they come? And this is the mic-drop! Because they are still in their sins, and they will ultimately die in their sins! So, it is possible to seek Jesus, but still die in our sins. There are many people who are seeking Jesus today, or at least they think they are seeking Him. But, they aren’t willing to give up their sinful lifestyles to be in heaven with Him someday. We can’t seek Jesus and live like the world. We might seek Him, but we will never find Him unless we first die to sin. These Pharisees and scribes didn’t want to humble themselves before Jesus and accept Him as God’s Son. They were being prideful and arrogant instead of being meek and humble. This is sin. They are puffed up and think that they are better than everyone else. Again, this is sin. They may even believe they are without sin because of who they are. One more time, this way of thinking is sin. Many have fooled themselves into thinking that because they say they love Jesus, they will be fine on judgment day. But what did Jesus ask in Luke 6:46? “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” And what does He say in John 14:15? “If you love me, keep my commandments.” We have to love Jesus instead of the world…..not equal with or more than the world…..instead of the world. If the love of the world is in us at all, then the love of Jesus is not in us. (1 John 2:15-17) I can’t serve two masters, or else I will love one and hate the other. (Matthew 6:24) This verse specifically mentions money, but it can mean anything that we are trying to be devoted to along with God. It could be money, possessions, status, sinful activities, people, etc. It can be anything. Jesus doesn’t want to share my heart with anyone or anything. If Jesus is the sole resident in my heart, then I will be the sister in Christ, wife, mom, grandma, daughter, niece, friend, teacher, etc. that I need to be. The love of Jesus will mold me into the person I need to be for all these roles in my life. Where does my loyalty lie? With the world or with My Savior?

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)